Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have pledged $500,000 to charities fighting human trafficking.
The move was inspired by one of baseball’s top players, Albert Pujols of the Angels, and the organization he founded with his wife two years ago called Strike Out Slavery.
“We thought very highly of the work they were doing,” said Melanie LeGrande, MLB vice president of social responsibility, “and we thought this was a topic we could have more of an impact on.”
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Gina Fiorilla Cavallo, a survivor of human trafficking, was arrested for crimes she was forced to commit while being exploited. Long after escaping trafficking, those charges remained on her record—limiting her access to stable work and housing and shaping how others perceived her.
What should have marked the start of recovery instead became another barrier. Cavallo’s experience underscores a broader pattern: survivors of trafficking are often
Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.