Marauder alumnus an all-star among us
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mcgrail.jpg” caption=”McMaster kinesiology graduate and former Marauder baseball second baseman Steve McGrail will be honoured prior to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game tonight in Anaheim, California. “]
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It's been 16 years since he first laced up his cleats for the Marauders baseball team, but
today Steve McGrail is going to the Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game.
But the New York Yankees' Robinson Cano and the Philadelphia Phillies' Chase Utley
shouldn't worry - McGrail won't be competing for either of their starting spots at second
base, the position he dominated during the 1994 season, earning him the title of
Defensive Player of the Year from the Canadian Intercollegiate Baseball Association.
Instead, McGrail will be honoured for his charity work.
The McMaster kinesiology graduate will be recognized by MLB and People Magazine as part
of their All-Stars Among Us
campaign for his work with Kylie's Kause, a fundraiser he and his wife Lisa established in
memory of their daughter Kylie Marie, who passed away due to complications from a
premature birth. The annual charity walk, run and silent auction has attracted more than
1000 participants and raised more than $171,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at
St. Joseph's Health Centre in London, Ont.
Funds raised through Kylie's Kause go toward purchasing special beds that are essential for
the survival of premature babies. The unit where Kylie was born now has eight such beds
thanks to the McGrails.
"I felt I had to do something after we lost Kylie," said McGrail, "so I came up with the idea
of a fundraiser, bounced it off a few people and then Lisa and I decided to go ahead with it.
We never dreamed that it would be as successful as it is."
In 2006 the McGrails were give the McMaster Alumni Association's Arch Award, which
recognizes recent graduates for their remarkable contributions to society.
McGrail says that one of the best things about his work with Kylie's Kause is knowing that
he is helping so many families.
"It doesn't quite hit you until someone tells you that their son or daughter wouldn't be
here without your help."
The All-Stars Among Us campaign will honour 30 community leaders representing each of
the 30 major league teams at tonight's all-star game. Baseball fans and People readers
were asked to vote for individuals serving their communities in extraordinary ways.
Finalists were selected from online nominations from across the U.S. and Canada and will
attend a number of all-star break events in addition to being honoured on the field prior
to the game.
Though McGrail will represent and wear the jersey of the Toronto Blue Jays, it was actually
the Detroit Tigers, who play much closer to his home in Wyoming, in southwestern Ontario,
who first contacted him about the initiative.
"I've played ball since I was four years old, so I'm really excited for this," said McGrail, who
also coaches youth baseball. "It's pretty unreal."
As for the outcome of the game, McGrail says he'll be cheering for the American League
team, which includes Toronto Blue Jays John Buck, Jose Bautista and Vernon Wells.
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