Mikie Mahtook is now a member of the Detroit Tigers. Tigers GM Al Avila acquired Mahtook from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for either a player to be named later or cash considerations. Along with the trade comes the news that Anthony Gose has been designated for assignment. Mahtook will have a chance to compete for the center field spot this season.
In addition to his baseball contributions to Detroit, Mahtook also leads The Mikie Mahtook Foundation. The foundation raises money to help the fight against heart disease.
“The Mikie Mahtook Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and prevention of heart disease, as well as other charitable causes. The Foundation was established in 2014 by professional baseball player and LSU College World Series Champion Mikie Mahtook in honor of his father Michael, who died of heart disease at the age of 32 when Mikie was just four years old.”
Mahtook’s father, Mike, was a linebacker at Louisiana State University where Mikie played his college baseball. In addition to supporting research for heart disease, Mahtook also took time to support people in Louisiana during the recent flooding.
We're matching @MikieMahtook8's $2,500 donation to the Baton Rouge Assistance Fund. https://t.co/9ks0kGiTXa #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/DWr3hKkYkU
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 7, 2016
It should be fun to see the youth in center field for Detroit this season. Mahtook also brings a lot of great character to the Tigers as well.
