Former Mariners star Edgar Martinez was the keynote speaker at the Federal Way & Auburn Boys and Girls Club’s 15th annual “Breakfast for Kids” fundraiser at Emerald Downs. Edgar signed Mariners caps, bats, balls and jerseys, which were later auctioned off and contributed greatly to the event’s success.

“The response was incredible; we raised a record $60,000!” said honorary breakfast chairman and longtime boardmember Pete von Reichbauer.“This community understands how important it is to invest in South King County’s Youth.” The $60,000 raised at the event is 20% higher than has ever been raised before.

Joe Abber, a junior from Thomas Jefferson High School provided a wonderful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, and the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Steffani Cuff, charmed the audience with her testimonial about what the club has meant to her.

During his speech Edgar recounted how as a youth growing up in Puerto Rico he would practice for hours hitting a ball or rock with a broom against a wall and dream of being in a baseball stadium with lots of people hitting a home run. He reminded us to think big and follow our dreams. Another highlight was when Edgar took questions from the crowd, here are a few samples:

Are you getting back into coaching?
Not yet, my family and new business is too important.

Who is the toughest pitcher you ever faced in baseball?
Nolan Ryan, even when he was older he could throw a fastball in the 90s.

If you un-retire would you keep your same number? (from a young boy in the crowd)
Unfortunately I will stay retired, but I would keep my same number 11.

Edgar Martinez spent all 18 of his major league seasons with the Mariners and is considered by many to be the greatest Designated Hitter in baseball history. The American League’s annual award for the best DH is known as “The Edgar Martinez Award”.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. According to the King County Housing Authority, when a Boys & Girls Club opens in a neighborhood, the community sees a 24% drop in crime, a 38% decrease in emergency medical service calls and a 70% decrease in vandalism.