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United States Curtis Granderson has transitioned from a renowned MLB outfielder to a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for youth development.
New Balance signed New York Yankees All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson to a multi-year endorsement contract.
Curtis Granderson teamed up with Aquafina for All-Star sweepstakes, spreading the word on his off-day.
Curtis Granderson acted as an official spokesman for the White House's anti-obesity campaign, joining First Lady Michelle Obama as MLB's representative for the official announcement at the White House.
Curtis Granderson received the Pop Lloyd Award from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for his baseball and community leadership. He also received the 2011 American League Oscar Charleston 'MVP' Award from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Curtis Granderson Jr. was born on March 16, 1981, in Blue Island, Illinois. He attended Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Illinois, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. He continued his academic and athletic career at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), graduating with a business degree. In 2002, Granderson was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the third round. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, earning the Tigers’ Minor League Player of the Year in 2004 with the Erie SeaWolves, where he hit .303 with 21 home runs and 93 RBIs. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Detroit Tigers on September 13, 2004.
Granderson played for the Detroit Tigers from 2004 to 2009, making an All-Star appearance in 2009. He joined the New York Yankees in 2010, where he achieved significant milestones, including leading the Majors in runs scored in 2011, ranking second in home runs with 41, and earning his first Silver Slugger Award the same year. He became the first player in MLB history to record at least 40 home runs, 10 triples, and 25 stolen bases in one season. His career also included stints with the New York Mets (2014-2017), Los Angeles Dodgers (2017), Toronto Blue Jays (2018), Milwaukee Brewers (2018), and Miami Marlins (2019).
Off the field, Granderson is recognized for his extensive humanitarian efforts. He founded the Grand Kids Foundation in 2007, focusing on positive youth development through education, physical fitness, and nutrition. He famously donated $5 million to UIC in 2013 for the Curtis Granderson Stadium, benefiting both the university’s baseball program and 38 area Little Leagues. Granderson has been a four-time recipient of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award and was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award in 2016 for his community impact. He is also the president of the Players Alliance, working to increase opportunities for Black athletes in baseball.
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