BY NOAH GRIFFITH
FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Auburn University outfielder Chris Stanfield’s earned the reputation of a speedster as a freshman last season — flying around the outfield, dashing around the base paths and often leaving his hat crashing to earth in the process.
When the Tallahassee, Florida, native begins his sophomore campaign in Plainsman Park on Friday, his hat is sure to meet the turf more times than a few. This time around, it will make an impact beyond putting a smile on fan’s faces.
On Feb. 10, Stanfield vowed to donate $3 to the Miracle League of East Alabama each time his hat drops to the ground during home games this season.
“We decided to have fun with the flying hat story from last year and I couldn’t think of a better way than to support Miracle League,” Stanfield said. “Every child deserves to experience the magic of baseball. I’m excited to step up to the plate to help make those dreams true.”
Stanfield was as active as any player on the field last season. His speed and athleticism played a major role in Auburn turning its season around and rallying to host a regional.
He started 40 of the 50 games he played as a freshman, and he quickly became a fan favorite out of the lead off spot in the lineup. He led the team with nine stolen bases, and he swept left field clean with a .989 fielding percentage with just one error.
After gaining adoration from the fan base in year one, he is expanding his impact off the field in year two. Along with his donation, he is encouraging fans to participate in giving to the Miracle League through his campaign, Hat Off 3 With Chris Stanfield.
Stanfield has formed a lasting connection with Miracle League athletes through Auburn’s outreach program. On his website, he wrote about the what the cause means to him under the section titled: “Athletes Supporting Athletes.”
“One of the most rewarding parts of this journey (at Auburn) has been meeting and spending time with amazing athletes from Miracle League,” Stanfield wrote. “These athletes are full of joy, inspiration, and passion. I want to make sure they have every chance to follow their dreams and celebrate their successes too.”
Speed is the name of the game for Stanfield, but he also hit three homers last season — including the first of his career over the Green Monster in left field of Plainsman Park against Southeastern Louisiana on March 11. He made sure to specify that his hat hitting the ground includes his helmet falling off during a home run celebration.
It is said that Stanfield can do it all on the field, and his vast skillset will benefit the Miracle League’s mission of allowing all kids — regardless of cognitive or physical disability — to play the game of baseball.
The Miracle League of East Alabama is a nonprofit organization that has a home on Covington Avenue in Opelika. For more information about Stanfield’s campaign and to donate, visit www.pledgeit.org/hatsoff3.