Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn and his wife Lexi stopped by La Rabida Children’s Hospital on Tuesday to visit patients and workers, delivering gifts of toys, clothing, snacks and more.
The couple’s visit to the South Side hospital was part of Vaughn’s community program “Going, Going, Vaughn.” They’re scheduled to visit and deliver gifts to nearly 100 inpatient and outpatient families in the Chicago area, according to the White Sox.
“The greatest thing is the smiles and happiness,” Vaughn said. “That’s what makes us happy — me and my wife. There’s nothing better.”
Vaughn was the White Sox’ 2024 nominee for Major League Baseball’s Roberto Clemente Award, given to players for character and community service. On Tuesday, he spent the most time with Alex, a patient at La Rabida. They threw inflatable baseballs back and forth, and Alex took turns swinging an inflatable bat as Vaughn pitched.
Alex smiled as he connected with the ball. He also took a few opportunities to dunk the baseball in a hoop nearby.
“It’s special to both of us, just warms our hearts, just putting smiles on kids’ faces and, you know, just being present in the community,” Vaughn said, adding that the program started after former fellow White Sox player Liam Hendricks left the team last year.
“The Hendricks (family) had a big outreach here, and you know, with him leaving, we kind of took over and tried to make our own thing.”
