Joe Maddon and several Cubs players shave their head for pediatric cancer
Before taking on the San Diego Padres at Sloan Park on Sunday afternoon, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon and several of his players participated in the team’s inaugural Respect Bald fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.
The event is a spinoff of a similar event held annually by the Tampa Bay Rays. As a yearly partitcipant in that event, Maddon helped facilitate the Cubs starting a similar tradition, and based on early results it appears to be a rousing success.
One by one, Maddon and stars such as Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo were seated in the special barber’s chair that sat elevated on a stage in center field, and one by one they each watched their locks fall to the ground in an effort to raise awareness for a worthy cause.
Here are some the sights and sounds, beginning with Maddon’s haircut.
If you’re wondering about Maddon’s attire, there’s purpose behind that as well. During Sunday’s warm ups, all of the Cubs coaches were to be dressed as football coaches. Whistles and athletic shorts included, obviously.
Here’s Starlin Castro right in the middle of his haircut.
Don’t do this, Anthony Rizzo.
He did it.
Even the next generation of Cubs’ stars were involved. Here’s potential Rookie of the Year candidate Jorge Soler.
And just because, here’s Phil Coke and his long socks.
In total, the Cubs were expecting 25 players to participate, in addition several coaches and front office staff.
Donations can be made to the Respect Bald fund on the Chicago Cubs website. Donate if you can, but just know you’ll have a difficult time topping Danny Rockett of Bleed Cubbies Blue. Through the help of his readers, he was able to raise $835.
Well done, Danny. And well done, Cubbies.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
