Big Train Players, Staff and Volunteers Celebrate Roberto Clemente Day in Montgomery County

The Bethesda Big Train’s fifth annual Roberto Clemente Community Service Day was another rousing success on Saturday. 105 volunteers — made up of players, interns, staff and fans — worked at six local community organizations across Montgomery County and collected food for the Manna Food Center at four Giant Food stores.

Since 2022, Big Train has volunteered at different community nonprofits in the first four very successful Annual Roberto Clemente Community Service Days.

Each volunteer received a jersey with Big Train in Spanish on the front and Clemente’s #21 on the back, the same jersey that Big Train players wore during Sunday’s Tribute to Latin Baseball game at Shirley Povich Field.

Check out more about each organization below:Latin American Youth Center

The Latin American Youth Center worked in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection to promote sustainability efforts in Montgomery County, especially the Plastic-Free July initiative.

Big Train volunteers helped set up the event, which took place inside Wheaton Mall, to distribute reusable bags and provide information on recycling and sustainability, giving Montgomery County residents the opportunity to leave the mall with a new recycling bin.

Big Train players Emilio Gonzalez, Kyzer Smith and Alan Soler volunteered.

Leveling the Playing Field

Leveling the Playing Field of Greater Washington is a nonprofit organization that collects donated sports equipment and redistributes it to schools and youth groups, according to their website

Big Train volunteers worked with Leveling the Playing Field to sort athletic equipment and organize the organization’s warehouse to ensure the equipment is properly maintained and in good condition. 

“It’s a huge help to have teams like the Big Train come out and do a lot of this hard work,” Program Associate Cooper Walner said. “I imagine they got through 10- to 15-thousand dollars worth of equipment, which is a huge help for such a limited staff here at the warehouse.”

Big Train players Zachary Malvasio, TJ Gramesty, Kieran Coleman and Austin Monahan volunteered at the organization.

Manna Food Center

At Manna Food Center, volunteers sort and pack boxes of non-perishable food in preparation for distribution. Manna is the largest community-based food assistance organization in Montgomery County, serving more than 56,000 people annually.

“The Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League, Giant Food, and Manna Food Center prove that when a community comes together, no one has to face hunger alone,” Manna CEO Craig Rice said. “We thank all of the players and volunteers, and everyone who stopped by participating Giant stores today and donated a few items, helping turn small acts of generosity into meals and hope for our neighbors.”

Big Train players Charlie Hoagland, Jack Ketchum and Aiden Parker volunteered at the organization.

Additionally, players and volunteers collected food for Manna at four Giant Food stores in Bethesda, Rockville, and Potomac. In total, the Big Train collected over 1,200 pounds for Manna at local Giant Food stores.

“Big Train baseball models our community building work on Roberto Clemente’s legacy of service,” explained Big Train founder Bruce Adams. “Our annual food drive for Manna is so important because it helps restock the shelves each summer. Most food drives take place during the winter holidays but our neighbors in need here in Montgomery County are hungry all year long.”

At 742 Arlington Road in Bethesda, Big Train players Cal Johnson and Jordan Capuano helped collect 314 pounds of donated food.

At 12051 Rockville Pike at Montrose Crossing, Big Train players Ryan Foscolo and Aaron Ritenour collected 350 pounds of donated food.At 5320 Zenith Overlook at Westbard Square,  Big Train players Jack Gagen and Bradley Gagen collected 373 pounds of donated food.

At 9812 Falls Road in Potomac, Big Train players Bryce Dolby and Terry Kaler helped collect 201 pounds of donated food.

Shepherd’s Table

At Shepherd’s Table, volunteers helped out in the clothing closet and kitchen. The Silver Spring-based nonprofit organization provides meals and support services to people experiencing food insecurity, homelessness and poverty.

The Big Train helped serve brunch on Saturday. The organization also provides breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays. Since being founded in 1983, the organization has served over two million meals without missing a single day.

Big Train players Logan Ponnett and Landry Winter volunteered at the organization.So What Else

At the So What Else food pantry in North Bethesda, Big Train volunteers helped unload, distribute and pack food. The food rescue bank helps address food insecurity and provides youth development programs.

Big Train players Parker Corbin, Casey Carpenter and Jack Sams volunteered at the organization.The Upcounty Hub

At Upcounty Hub in Germantown, Big Train volunteers helped pack non-perishable food into boxes. They also assisted in creating snack bags for Montgomery County Public Schools. The nonprofit works to combat food insecurity.

Founded in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization now assists approximately 1,500 families each week. They provide food and other essential resources without barriers.

“When you’re an immigrant, and you’re welcomed into a community with open arms,” founder Grace Rivera-Oven said. “That’s all you can ask for.”

Big Train players Nathan Wines, Kyle Hopper and Will Haacke volunteered at the organization.

Baseball legend Roberto Clemente died in 1972 in a plane crash as he attempted to deliver supplies to victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.” 

Clemente’s legacy of community service is one on which we model the Big Train’s community work. On July 10, 2009, Big Train held its first Tribute to Latin Baseball and retired Clemente’s #21. We hope Major League Baseball will someday retire Clemente’s #21 and that our Roberto Clemente Community Service Day will become a model for youth organizations across the country.