Texas – after the terrible flood that killed 51 people, including 15 children, people are still struggling between the ruins and despair. In the middle of that storm, Nolan Arenado – the star of the St. Louis Cardinals – did the unexpected: He donated $3.5 million to the flood area and immediately appeared at the scene to help. Not with a baseball bat, but with his bare hands and a sympathetic heart.
“I can’t stand by when people are suffering,” Arenado said through tears as he met a mother who had lost both her children in the flood. His act was more than just charity—it was a redefinition of what a true hero should be compassionate about.
Arenado didn’t stop there, but he also created the “Arenado Aids Texas” campaign, a nationwide appeal for donations and long-term support. Within three weeks, his fundraiser had raised an additional $5 million—he himself contributed another $1 million from his own personal account.
Instead of just signing checks, Arenado rolled up his sleeves and joined volunteers to clean up the rubble, hand out gifts, rebuild temporary shelters, and even bring baseball bats to flood-affected children—children who had lost their smiles, and now heard his story about “belief, first swings, and never giving up.”
A viral video shows Arenado hugging a little girl holding a bat and whispering, “You’re strong. I’m giving you this bat – but you’re my inspiration.”
The story made waves on social media. Everyone from Paul Goldschmidt to Mike Trout spoke out in admiration of Arenado’s actions. The governor of Texas later declared August 5 “Nolan Arenado Day.”
Arenado didn’t seek fame. “I get to play the game I love. If I can help someone get through pain – that’s the greatest honor of my life,” he said at a press conference.
It’s not the MVP award or the number of home runs that make a legend. It’s the sweat, the tears – and the quiet but great compassion of Nolan Arenado.
In a dark year for Texas, this swing – for humanity.