Ricky Stone - Rally For Recovery

One of the best parts of being a professional baseball player is the support you can receive when things don't go your way.  A great case study would be that of former Houston pitcher Ricky Stone, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in September.   This is a scary story that you don't read so much: The former MLB pitcher who can't get out of AAA anymore, travels to Taiwan in search of a new baseball opportunity, gets hurt before his career there ever really begins, then returns with his family but no health insurance.

To read a first-hand account, read what Ricky's wife Tracey Stone wrote here on the Rally For Recovery blog.

A charity called Helping Hands Ministries, Inc. has been helping.   In addition, Tracey Stone, Erin Pote, wife of former MLB pitcher Lou Pote, and the wife of Mets pitcher Nelson Figueroa, Alisa, have started a charity to help pay for Ricky's medical expenses.  The charity, Rally For Recovery, recently held an auction through eBay.  The auction was a great success, raising thousands of dollars for items like Derek Jeter autographed jerseys and a Brad Ausmus autographed catcher's mask.

If you're interested in donating to help Ricky, you can go here.

When I mentioned how the MLB community comes together when there's a family in need, I meant it.  Click here to see all of the people who've helped out Ricky so far.  You'll recognize many of the names. 

This holiday season, say a little prayer for Ricky.  And maybe add in a little Thank You to the names on this list.  Ricky's turning a corner.  It's nice to know he hasn't had to do it alone.