Through his performance campaigns, Cedric Mullins prioritizes his philanthropic commitment by helping nonprofit organizations sustain programs that directly give back to the individuals and groups they serve. This season, Cedric pledged to donate $150 to Burg Baseball for each stolen base he records. Burg Baseball is a youth baseball league in St. Petersburg, Florida, committed to removing financial barriers for underserved youth to play baseball. Cedric has also pledged to donate $50 to Water Mission for each of his hits this season. Water Mission is a global engineering nonprofit that builds safe water solutions in developing countries. With Cedric’s campaigns, and matching donations from the Rays Up Foundation, Burg Baseball and Water Mission are each projected to receive $20,000 in total donations this season.
Cedric consistently proves his devotion to community support through memorable experiences at the ballpark, volunteer work and youth mentorship.
Before every Monday home game, the Rays host players and coaches from Buddy Baseball, A League of Their Own and St. Petersburg Challenger League as part of the Magic Monday program presented by Union Home Mortgage. These non-competitive recreational leagues serve individuals with unique abilities throughout the Tampa Bay community. The participants attend batting practice and form a high-five tunnel as the Rays take the field for the game. Cedric regularly engages these groups, signing baseballs, taking photos and intentionally connecting with each participant.
As Cedric navigates life as an athlete with Crohn's disease, he also supports children facing serious illnesses. Before every Tuesday home game at Tropicana Field, the Rays host a child from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida or the Children’s Dream Fund at the ballpark as part of a longstanding program. Tuesday’s Champion, presented by RIPA, invites children served by these organizations, along with their families, to be on the field during batting practice, where they can meet and interact with Rays players and coaches. The children selected for the program are battling life-threatening illnesses. Cedric takes time on each occasion to share special moments with children facing serious challenges, providing encouragement, compassion and personal connection.
Cedric and his wife, Erika, volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, which keeps families close to their children while receiving treatment in pediatric hospitals, in St. Petersburg. Together with teammates, Cedric decorated snack bags, wrote words of encouragement, served lunch to the resident families and played Wiffle ball with the children, helping to provide a sense of home and normalcy.
For the Rays annual Jackie Robinson Day in April, the Rays hosted students from Poynter Institute’s Write Field Program, an initiative that supports African American and Hispanic middle and high school students to become stronger writers and high-achieving scholars. The students had an opportunity to interview Cedric, during which he shared advice on navigating life’s challenges and developing the skills to become a successful leader.
Cedric and Erika plan to participate in Rays on the Runway, a charity fashion show featuring children with life-threatening illnesses paired with Rays players and significant others to model clothes on a runway. The event strives to give these brave children a fun moment in the spotlight while raising funds and awareness for those served by the Children’s Dream Fund in West Central Florida.
Cedric Mullins' mission off the field includes leading by example and serving his community, making him an excellent candidate for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award.
