The Northwoods League and the Northwoods League Foundation reached an agreement with alumnus Curtis Granderson to be the “face” of its philanthropic and alumni relation efforts for 2010 and 2011 seasons. Granderson played for the Mankato Mashers, now known as the MoonDogs, in 2001 where he batted .328 in 44 games, with eight doubles, two triples, one home run, 17 RBI, 28 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases.
The agreement called for the Northwoods League and The Northwoods League Foundation to work in conjunction with Granderson to help promote his Grand Kids Foundation while also working to bring awareness to the newly formed Northwoods League Foundation and engaging Northwoods League alums.
“The Northwoods League helped develop me into an All-Star at the highest level of professional baseball. I am honored that they would ask me to assist with promoting the Northwoods League Foundation, but also promote my Grand Kids Foundation, which works to improve inner city education,” said Granderson at the time.
Granderson went on to promote the Grand Kids Foundation on all Northwoods League web casts the next two seasons and a link was featured the Foundation on the Northwoods League website. He also participated in a youth clinic and fundraising event with the Foundation in Minneapolis in 2011. The Northwoods League Foundation has grown following this partnership and has since helped to build accessible-seating areas in three Northwoods League ballparks, and as part of the 25th Season celebration this year is donating $50,000 worth of sports equipment to youth baseball and softball organizations in Northwoods League communities.
When the agreement was announced, then Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. said, “We could not have a better representative in the baseball world than Curtis and the fact that he is one of our former players only makes this union more beneficial”.
Granderson was traded shortly after to the New York Yankees from the Detroit Tigers. His charitable efforts and commitment to the game of baseball are well-regarded, earning him recognition from Major League Baseball and his peers. Granderson is a 3-time MLB All-Star, and has received an American League Silver Slugger Award (2011), Roberto Clemente Award (2016) and Lou Gehrig Award (2015) along with twice being named the Marvin Miller Man of the Year at the Players Choice Awards.
He is in his 15th Major League Baseball season, currently playing for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Granderson’s 2001 Mankato Mashers baseball card
Visit our 25th Season Celebration page to read about other memorable moments previously released.