It’s stories like this during tough times that keep your faith in humanity. When the chips are down, it becomes very easy for people to become selfish. Fanatics owner Michael Rubin went to Twitter to show off his new idea for his company, Fanatics, to help in the fight against this virus. The Fanatics factories originally purposed for producing official MLB jerseys have been modified to help keep up with the demand of masks and protective wear for our healthcare workers, especially in cities that being greatly impacted at the moment. Now they may not be the most stylish masks or gowns you will see, but the surely serve their purpose and help workers struggling to keep up with the impact of this pandemic.
According to Rubin, over the weekend Pennsylvania’s Governor Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro contacted him saying that healthcare workers across the state of PA are in desperate need for masks and gowns. The light bulb went off for Rubin late one night when he realized that he could repurpose Fanatics materials to fit workers needs during this pandemic. Rubin then contacted MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in order to get the okay to halt production of MLB jerseys and start production for masks and gowns. After a swift response, Rubin took to his factory and started to pump out as many as they can. Today they have approximately 100 associates working (extra distant of course) in their factory, trying to meet the demand for healthcare workers in PA. Their plan is to make one million masks and gowns and immediately donate them to hospitals and emergency personnel across the state of PA. Rubin would also like to extend this into New Jersey and New York, as these states seem to be the epicenter of this pandemic in the U.S. All the associates working to create these masks and gowns have voluntary asked to be apart of this effort to help supply our frontline heroes.
In times of uncertainty it’s reassuring to see businesses come together and aid some of our country’s true heroes. Our health care workers and emergency personnel are willingly putting themselves in the line of danger to save the lives of the American people. It really is the American way, that no matter how hard times may be, we can rally behind each other and overcome great obstacles. Like I said early, it’s easy to give into the fear and become selfish or greedy in times like these. I’m sure if you go to twitter you’ll see many videos of people fighting over certain necessities. It’s people like Michael Rubin and all the workers willing to go to work everyday to help create equipment for the people dealing with the virus daily that brings back our faith in humanity. I’m sure there are many stories of different businesses all over the country doing what they can to help and show their appreciation for all the people who put their lives at risk during times like these. Not for publicity, not for money, just trying to do their part to help defeat this virus together. And it becomes important to show our gratitude to everyone out there on the frontline. I’m sure they are being overwhelmed beyond belief and exhausted, but it’s not in their DNA to quit. The least we can do is show our full support behind them.
The Washed Up Athlete 