Last year, Elvis Andrus was named the Texas Rangers' 2014 Jim Sundberg Community Achievement Award winner, which honors a member of the organization for significant community contributions. Throughout the past three years, Elvis has donated to the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, the Special Olympics Summer Games in Arlington and the Miracle League of Southlake among other organizations in the local community. We had the opportunity to catch up with him about his volunteer and personal contributions at the Southlake Miracle League Uniform Unveiling this spring.
We know you are involved in supporting several organizations for the special needs community, including Special Olympics of Arlington and Miracle League of Southlake. Why are these causes important to you?
What you see is what you get when interacting with these kids. There is such pure enjoyment on their faces no matter what activity they are involved in. I just love them.
We heard you mention “Elvis Entourage” when you were on stage. What is that exactly?
“Elvis Entourage” is something we created last year (2014) to bring kids to the stadium. It is a section in Globe Life Park set aside for special needs children and other kids who might need special attention. Last year, we hosted Down Syndrome families in the “Elvis Entourage” section during Tuesday-night home games.
How do the kids respond to the special treatment?
It is one of those big things we can do to make them enjoy their day at the ballpark. It's a way to make it special for them.
Why do you think it is important for someone in your position to serve as a role model for kids?
Especially right now, with what's going on in the world, someone needs to set a positive image for kids. They look to [us] for an example to follow.
Sounds like you speak from experience.
I had a lot of role models when I was a kid. I know first hand they are watching you every day. You want them to grow up with a good image of how they should handle themselves in any situation.