Giving back is what really drives Abreu

Bobby Abreu tied a career high with five hits in the New York Yankees’ 9-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles last Aug. 22, but that wasn’t even the most memorable part of the evening for the Angels’ new left fielder.

That came after the game, when Abreu stepped out of a Camden Yards elevator and was swarmed by more than a dozen Little Leaguers from his native Venezuela.

Earlier that week, when he saw Venezuela was playing in the Little League World Series, Abreu chartered a bus to take 17 players, coaches and chaperones from South Williamsport, Pa., to Baltimore for the Yankees game.

Abreu, who grew up in Maracay, about an hour and a half from Caracas, bought tickets, food and drinks for the players and brought them down to the field for batting practice.

“They were very excited,” Abreu said. “They really enjoyed the day.”

Abreu’s charitable works at home include putting on baseball clinics, visiting hospitals and passing out Christmas gifts. He didn’t have the hardscrabble upbringing that many kids in Caracas have, but Abreu has always felt a special kinship with them.

“I try to help those kids who live on the streets,” Abreu said. “When I was a kid, my mom and dad taught me to help people, and I have a responsibility with God to help people.”

-- Mike DiGiovanna