25 Sep Dodgers Kyle Farmer and Alex Wood Design T-Shirt Honoring College Teammate with Paralysis
Los Angeles Dodgers teammates help design T-shirt on behalf of former University of Georgia baseball teammate with paralysis to raise money, awareness for renowned rehabilitation hospital.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ., September 25, 2017 – Kyle Farmer and Alex Wood have teamed up with Athletes Brand on a limited-edition T-shirt to honor Chance Veazey, a mutual friend and teammate when they played baseball at the University of Georgia. Veazey sustained a paralyzing spinal cord injury in a motorized scooter accident in 2009. Shortly after the accident, both Farmer and Wood inked matching tattoos on the inside of their arms that read “Second Chance” in recognition of their friend.
Proceeds from shirt sales will benefit Shepherd Center, a spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. Shepherd Center, based in Atlanta, Georgia, provided much of Veazey’s rehabilitation after his accident.
“Chance’s injury was devastating but we’re all so thankful that his rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center improved his circumstances,” said Farmer. “We chose to support the Shepherd Center knowing it will help improve the life of other spinal cord injury patients like him.”
The trio’s tight-knit relationship has garnered well-deserved attention in recent months, as Farmer’s first at-bat in a Major League game on July 30, 2017, resulted in a walk-off double. Every time Wood takes the mound, he takes Veazey with him, as he sports a glove etched with C.V.J.T – the latter two initials belonging to Johnathan Taylor, another Georgia Bulldog baseball player who sustained a paralyzing spinal cord injury in an in-game collision with a teammate in 2011.
The limited-edition “Second Chance” T-shirt can be purchased at AthletesBrand.com from now until Monday, October 9th. Co-designed by Farmer and Wood, the shirt features a Los Angeles blue and the phrase both use to honor their friend. The tri-blend shirt is available in men’s, women’s and youth sizes.
For more information about the campaign, please visit AthletesBrand.com.
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About Kyle Farmer
Kyle Farmer is a third baseman and catcher in his rookie season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A native of Atlanta, Kyle attended the University of Georgia and was selected by the Dodgers in the 8th round of the 2013 MLB draft. He is active on Twitter (@KFarm17) and Instagram (@Kyle__Farmer).
About Alex Wood
Alex Wood is a left-handed, starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was selected to the 2017 MLB All-Star team after posting a stat line of 10-0 with a 1.67 ERA and 97 strikeouts prior to the break. Born in Charlotte, N.C., he attended the University of Georgia and was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 2nd round of the 2012 MLB draft. He is active on Twitter and Instagram (@AWood45).
About Shepherd Center
Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions. Founded in 1975, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. As a not-for-profit hospital, Shepherd Center relies on philanthropic support from individuals, families, corporations and foundations. Learn more at shepherd.org and follow the hospital on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@ShepherdCenter).
About Athletes Brand
Athletes Brand is an athlete-run fashion brand that crafts clothing for athletes’ everyday needs away from their sport. Its mission is to help athletes use their power of influence to make a difference in the world through sports, fashion, art and philanthropy. Visit AthletesBrand.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (@AthletesBrand).