Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner announced a philanthropic partnership through the Justin Turner Foundation with the Yokota Baseball and Softball Association at the Yokota Air Base (YAB) in Fussa, Japan.
For the remainder of the season, every time Turner collects a hit, scores a run or gets an RBI, fans will have the opportunity to donate and aid his foundation in providing support for the YBSA. The association aims to support the development of baseball/softball players and bi-lateral relations in the Yokota community through a common love for the sport.
The YBSA supports the dependent children of military service members who are stationed at the Air Base. The children, ranging from ages nine to 15, play little league baseball and softball games against local Japanese teams.
The competitive environment is key in members of the military interacting with and developing positive relationships with the Fussa community. The YBSA also assists in developing the children to prepare for high school athletics.
Honoring the United States military is one of the pillars of the Justin Turner Foundation, which was formed in 2016. The newly announced partnership allows Turner and his foundation to fulfill two important parts of their mission.
Turner’s charitable work has led to him being a two-time nominee and one-time finalist for the prestigious Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, which is presented annually to the player “whose on-field performance and contributions to his community most inspire others to higher levels of achievement.”
In addition to the YBSA, the Justin Turner Foundation holds partnerships with The Dream Center and 17Strong. To help support Turner, visit www.JustinTurnerFoundation.com.
