During the current pandemic we’re facing, everyone’s doing what they can to try and help one another. That means we’re (hopefully) practicing social distancing and staying at home. It means we’re avoiding hoarding groceries and supplies from stores. It means our generosity, leadership and good will is being shown when can — and the sportswear company Fanatics is stepping up in a big way to show some of theirs.
Known for being an officially licensed retailer of things like NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB gear, among other stuff, Fanatics is taking a step back from producing some of their typical things to give back during the coronavirus outbreak. With masks and gowns in hospitals limited — putting those on the front lines at risk of contracting the virus — the company decided to use some of the fabric they had been using for MLB uniforms to make essentials for doctors and nurses helping patients.
Obviously, this is an all-time dope move, and the founder of the sports retailer, Michael Rubin, shared on Twitter how the idea came to be, and how they plan to donate the masks and gowns to those needing them the most in hospitals.
Woke up in the middle of the night last week with idea of converting our @Fanatics factory in PA that makes official @MLB jerseys into a facility that makes much needed masks and gowns and then donating them to help fight this horrendous virus. pic.twitter.com/r6FAxUdlgH
— Michael Rubin (@MichaelGRubin) March 26, 2020
— Michael Rubin (@MichaelGRubin) March 26, 2020
— Michael Rubin (@MichaelGRubin) March 26, 2020
— Michael Rubin (@MichaelGRubin) March 26, 2020
— Michael Rubin (@MichaelGRubin) March 26, 2020
— Michael Rubin (@MichaelGRubin) March 26, 2020
An absolute brilliant plan by Fanatics, and an A+ gesture that speaks to the leadership of the entire company. Here’s to hoping these masks and gowns can help keep those in hospitals safe while they’re treating patients with the deadly virus.
Of course, the only dilemma now is which MLB team’s colors hospital workers want to wear most, the Philadelphia Phillies or the New York Yankees, as this is the official fabric that Fanatics will use when making the masks and gowns. Assuming we’ve got a near-outbreak on our hands, something tells me team allegiances will be put aside in order to stay safe and healthy.
