Curtis Granderson

2009 All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson is sometimes known as “the nicest guy in baseball,” and he has the community credentials to support it. In 2007, he founded the Grand Kids Foundation to focus on improving the educational experience for youth nationwide as well as helping to re-establish baseball opportunities for inner city youths. Through a variety of yearly events such as his annual celebrity basketball game, sponsorships and donations, the Grand Kids Foundation will be able to achieve many of Curtis’ goals within the community. Curtis is committed to making education the focal point of his message to youth. It is his passion, principles and vision that lead to the creation of the Grand Kids Foundation. In addition to founding and serving on the board of this charitable organization, he attends fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds supporting educational causes.

The Grand Kids Foundation has awarded $80,000 in grants to various programs and schools throughout the nation since its inception. In 2009, Curtis released a children’s book, "All You Can Be", which shares personal stories from his youth encouraging children to chase after their dreams. The book included artwork from fourth graders throughout the state of Michigan following a contest held statewide. Proceeds from "All You Can Be" benefit the Grand Kids Foundation.

For his work with schools, Curtis was named the 2009 MLBPA Marvin Miller Man of the Year, and has been nominated for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award three times (twice in Detroit and once in New York), which honors the MLB player that contributes the most off the field. He also acts as the official MLB Spokesperson for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move anti-obesity campaign and has served for three years as MLB’s Overseas Ambassador.

Curtis is one of only a handful of MLB players and coaches with a four year college degree, graduating from the Univ. of Illinois-Chicago with a double major in Business Management and Business Marketing. Both of his parents taught in Chicago Public Schools and his sister is a college professor. The Granderson family has always stressed education, and it has become Curtis’ passion.

While on the field, Curtis has proven himself to be one of the top center fielders in all of baseball. In 2007, he became just one of four players in MLB history to record 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a single season, a feat that had not been reached since 1957. He led the American League in triples in both 2007 and 2008. As a lead¬off hitter for the Detroit Tigers, Curtis set the team record for lead-off homeruns in only four seasons, hitting 24 in that span. He is currently the center fielder for the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees.