BATON ROUGE – Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced that they are teaming up to contribute $250,000 to assist flood victims that were impacted by the historic floods in several parts of Louisiana.

The contribution is being divided among three charitable organizations lending assistance to those in need. The American Red Cross will receive a $125,000 contribution and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and High Socks for Hope will each receive a $62,500 contribution.

Several Major League Players including, Reid Brignac of the Atlanta Braves,Will Harris of the Houston Astros, Wade LeBlanc  of the Seattle Mariners, Mikie Mahtook of theTampa Bay Rays, Anthony Ranaudo of the Chicago White Sox and Ryan Schimpf of the San Diego Padres were consulted in determining which organizations would receive funding support.

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation is directing donations to the Louisiana Flood Relief Fund, established by former LSU players Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros), Louis Coleman of the Los Angeles Dodgers), Kevin Gausman of the Baltimore Orioles), Harris, DJ LeMahieu of the Colorado Rockies), Mahtook,  Aaron Nola of the Philadelphia Phillies), Ranaudo and Schimpf.

High Socks for Hope, created and operated by Chicago White Sox closer David Robertson and his wife, Erin was initially established to assist individuals and families in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but has since helped victims of natural disasters around the country.

"During this dire time of need in Louisiana, we hope that our joint contribution will help those impacted by this natural disaster receive the emergency support they now require," Robert D. Manfred, Jr., baseball commissioner, said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Louisiana living in areas affected by the flooding, and we offer our sincerest gratitude to everyone who has stepped up to help in this time of need," Tony Clark, MLBPA executive director,said.  "Players care deeply about the places they call home, and we're grateful to be in a position to help Players from Louisiana provide much needed financial assistance so that the area can recover as quickly as possible from the damage caused by the flooding," Clark said.