Learn

Okay, you probably know Mark McGwire as the home-run champion that cranks them out for the St. Louis Cardinals. But baseball is only one part of this slugger’s life scheme. In 1997, Mark McGuire made it his charge to raise awareness about child abuse on a grand scale.

The baseball champion never suffered abuse as a child, but he was made aware of its impact by a friend, and has decided to give money and raise awareness about an issue that effects millions of children every single day. And although some kids are able to report that they are being abused, it is estimated that current rates of abuse could be twice as high as reported.

Mark McGwire has set up The Foundation for Children, into which he pours one million dollars from his salary every year. The foundation provides abuse prevention programs for the public, and helps to raise awareness about child abuse. Clearly, raising awareness is a key factor in ending the cycle of abuse. In the public service announcements that he filmed for television viewing, McGwire appeals to both the victims of abuse and the abusers. The message for victims invites children who are being sexually, psychologically or physically abused to talk to someone that they trust, like a good teacher, police officer or friend. To the abusers, McGwire challenges them to step forward and admit that they need help stopping the abusive behavior. Though admitting a mistake is not the cure to abuse, it provides a first step from which people can get help.

And clearly McGwire holds this issue close to his heart, as demonstrated when the champion allowed his feelings to surface during press conferences. Because of his obvious emotional commitment, even more people have shared stories about the abuse they have suffered in their lives. “God puts you on this earth for a reason,” McGwire said. “I know [God] gave me the ability to play the game of baseball. I truly believe that [God] gave me the ability to do what I am doing right now off the field. It’s a blessing. If I can help somebody by making statements, by doing the commercial, that might be the reason.”

Said like a true hero.