Over the last 5-6 years I have befriended former major leaguer and Pittsburgh Pirate, Cholly Naranjo. We met at a baseball event, and a few months later, when I went to visit my mother in Florida, we caught up. He took me to visit a few of the older Cuban players. I kept in touch with him on the phone and I helped him to get a lot of photos, press clippings and other related information on his career. I visit him a few times a year when I go to see my mom and even hosted him at my home for a few days when he needed to attend a family wedding.
I've built a wonderful relationship and I consider him like another member of my family. He has provided me with a lifetime of experiences and friendship in these few short years and I have done my best to return it with whatever help I could provide him with the various agencies he deals with as a retired player and citizen, which leads to the reason for this post.
About a year ago, it pained me greatly when he called to inform me that one of baseball's retiree assistance programs was discontinuing the aid they provided him for the many years at the age of 80 after they had a change in administration, basically telling him to go fend for himself. He wasn't sure how he was going to make his rent when he received the news. Imagine being 80 years old and having the rug pulled from under you.
After feverishly scrambling to help get him some assistance from a smaller retired players organization, I told him that I would ask the community here to get involved. Being so humble, he initially refused, but w/ the help of a friend who created these custom cards (he never had an official MLB card) that I had Cholly sign.
We created a 4-card set (limited to 20) that we are asking $25 for each set pp gift or money order + $4 s/h. I have eight sets left. I just visited him last month and the funds could really go a long way. Send me an inbox if you are interested or want to help further.
