MLB is working with longtime media rights partner ESPN once again on its ongoing Shred Hate bullying prevention campaign, this time enlisting many of the sport’s biggest stars for a pair of new PSAs that will run during next month’s playoffs. One spot will feature Astros RF George Springer, last year’s World Series MVP and himself a childhood victim of bullying due to his stuttering. A second spot will feature Angels CF Mike Trout, Red Sox RF Mookie Betts, Cubs 2B Javier Baez, Astros P Justin Verlander, Yankees RF Aaron Judge, Indians SS Francisco Lindor, Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado and Nationals P Sean Doolittle. The spots seek to build on a prior set of PSAs from this spring and coincides with both October also being National Bullying Prevention Month and the start of MLB’s postseason. The PSAs will debut Monday on ESPN and run during the month on various ESPN and MLB media platforms. “We’ve seen good progress with this initiative thus far, but we knew that utilizing players like this was where we could really elevate this program’s potential,” said MLB VP and Special Assistant to the Commissioner Billy Bean. “This is a really important message, something that’s very personal for me, and the players have done a great job lending their voices to it and giving power to that message.” Springer taped his PSA at ESPN's studios in Bristol, Conn., while the rest of the players filmed the other one, entitled “Join Our Team,” during the All-Star Game festivities in DC.
