Joe Torre Night: A Home Run for Safe At Home and the Somerset Patriots
August 9, 2024
On July 23, 2024, the Somerset Patriots hosted a memorable “Joe Torre Night.” This event, part of Safe At Home’s ongoing partnership with Minor League Baseball (MiLB), underscored our vital work in educating and empowering children, families, and communities to be changemakers who build a safer, braver world.
The evening kicked off with our co-founder, Joe Torre, sharing his deeply personal journey during an on-field Q&A session. Speaking openly about his experiences growing up in a home affected by domestic violence, Joe explained how these experiences inspired him and his wife, Ali, to establish the Safe At Home Foundation over two decades ago. Through our Margaret’s Place programs, we create safe spaces inside schools for empowerment, education, and understanding.
Fans were greeted with a special edition Joe Torre x Safe At Home Topps baseball card, a unique keepsake that also serves as a tool for spreading awareness about domestic violence and abuse. Adding to the evening’s excitement, many fans participated in a raffle to win a baseball signed by Joe himself, and Joe set the tone for the game with a ceremonial first pitch.
This event is part of a larger initiative where over 45 MiLB teams are participating from June 9 until September 2, 2024. Each participating team will raffle or auction off a Joe Torre autographed baseball, with proceeds benefiting either Safe At Home, or a local domestic violence organization. Teams will also distribute educational materials, share Safe At Home’s 30 second PSA, and engage with local domestic violence organizations to further extend our reach and impact.
Our partnership with MiLB allows us take the healing powers of Margaret’s place beyond the classroom and into the ballpark, empowering fans across the country to join us in our mission. As Joe himself said, “Millions are exposed to violence, trauma, and abuse every year. It is vital that we raise awareness and that they have access to support. We are proud to partner with Minor League Baseball and Topps to educate and inspire MiLB fans to make a difference and join us in cultivating a new generation of healthy, respectful relationships, where everybody feels safe at home.”
The success of “Joe Torre Night” with the Somerset Patriots is a testament to the power of community and sports in driving positive change. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Somerset Patriots community, and especially to the Kalafer family, for their unwavering support of our mission. It was a night filled with baseball, hope, and a shared commitment to making the world a safer place for children and families.
For more opportunities to support Safe At Home through our partnership with MiLB, including finding upcoming games in your area, visit joetorre.org/milb.
Read more about the event from MiLB | Read our Press Release
