MASHPEE, Mass – On Tuesday afternoon, former Buccaneer head baseball coach and Director of Athletics Bob Corradi and his wife Kathy went to a Red Cross blood donation site in Mashpee to give blood in an effort to help others in need during the global COVID-19 crisis. It has long been a Buccaneer tradition to help those in need.

"Donating blood is easy! I did it." Said Coach Corradi. "We can all do our part for our community and so many people, whether we know them or not, by donating blood."

Coach Corradi was the first baseball coach in program history having served as the baseball coach from 1973-2015. He was also Director of Athletics from 1989 to 2015. 

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum said Monday, "I wanted to find a way that I could be of some assistance. I encourage everyone to do their part." Tatum has matched a $250,000 donation to the Greater Boston Food Bank and has teamed up with another NBA player to donate another $250,000 to the food bank in his home town of St. Louis, Missouri.

So many athletes and celebrities around the country and around the world have given donations to organizations and cities. Some have provided meals to healthcare workers for their incredible efforts and dedication. Not everyone has the ability to donate that kind of money to those in need but so many want to help. How can the Buccaneer family do that? Many ways but also by donating blood.

With the current social climate the Red Cross and many other donation centers are asking that you make an appointment, in many cases two weeks out, to go to a red cross center or mobile donation site to give blood.

From the Red Cross website: "To support social distancing, appointments are now required. With thousands of blood drives cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working hard to open new donation sites. In the meantime, please search 14 days out or beyond. The need for blood is constant – patients need your help."

We can all do our part, one way or another, to help ourselves, our families, friends and complete strangers during this time. We are all Buccaneers!

Additionally, thank you to all Buccaneers past and present who are working on the front lines during this time.