Colorado Rockies: Taylor Motter lending a hand to those less fortunate

CHICAGO — On the bus trip to Wrigley Field, along with every other commute he’s ever made to a Major League ball park, Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder Taylor Motter notices those along the route who are less fortunate.

Figuring out ways to lessen the plight of the homeless, particularly those who are children living on the street, has been a constant with Motter, no matter the Major League uniform he puts on, whether in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Seattle, Minneapolis, or Denver. Next steps were also on his mind during a recent Kindness Night promotion in Triple-A Albuquerque right before his call-up to Denver, his first with the Rockies and his initial MLB action since July 24, 2018.

“Coming up, I never wanted kids or enjoyed being around kids. I just wasn’t that guy,” Motter said. “When I started living in the bigger cities, I saw how some of these kids were less fortunate than I was growing up. My heart went out to them. These 5-year-old kids just don’t have the opportunities that I’ve had. I decided I’m going to do whatever I can to help make their days better.”

Here’s how Taylor Motter of the Colorado Rockies is making a difference for those less fortunate

For Motter, that has included working with organizations that help the homeless in his offseason home in St. Petersburg, Fla., as well as a store in Seattle where homeless children can get some of the clothing and school supplies they need to have the best chance to succeed with their education.

During his stint with the Mariners, Motter was there to meet some of the kids and exchange some of his resources and a smile for what he hoped would be better days ahead for them.

“I think just seeing it in person, and just thinking through the process of how can I help them just today is important,” Motter said. “I think, ‘How can I help them feel better today?’

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“I’d rather give those kids something physical like a teddy bear or Legos than just donate money. Little things like that help them when they’re feeling sad and when they don’t like the situation they’re in. I want to give them something where they can zone out and focus on something that you’ve given them. Or if we can do an experience like giving the family an opportunity in the park to play kickball or baseball or something like that that takes the reality about where they’re at for the day and changes it temporarily. That’s a big thing.”

While the moments may not complete eradicate the situation, Motter hopes that they provide a glimmer of hope that things can indeed get better.

“These kids, sometimes they’re just dealt a bad hand,” Motter said. “The only way to help to get them off the street is if you actually do something about it.”