Rays Pitcher J.P. Feyereisen is a Role Model for Kids

Meet Tampa Bay Rays pitcher J.P. Feyereisen. Each year, the Tampa Bay Rays players read books to local children as part of the "Reading with the Rays - Read Your Way to the Ballpark" program. The reading program encourages pre-K through high school seniors to read during the summer with the opportunity to win prizes.

At the most recent book reading, J.P. read three books to the group, then took questions and signed autographs for the kids. Many of the older kids sat with giant smiles and excitement to meet one of their heroes in real life. "It's a lot of fun to give back to the community and be with kids. It's a lot of fun," J.P. said. 

Reading and volunteering with kids means a lot to J.P. "This was just like doing what I love with baseball; making people happy enjoying the game of baseball, and also doing some reading by helping kids with their education." 

Seeing young kids get excited to meet him brings a smile to J.P.'s face. J.P. hopes to continue working with kids as a teacher when he retires from baseball. 

Giving back is very important to J.P., "If you can touch a few people on the way, through your career by making their life better, that's the goal and hope. Whenever I am needed or asked to help, I want to do it and enjoy doing it."

J.P. believes that helping others is rewarding, and he is honored to be a part of the community as a role model for the kids across Tampa Bay.

Do you know someone who is making a difference in our community? Nominate them to be featured in our #BeMoreKind series to help spread kindness across our community!