Rangers helping out troubled Little League organization

Published Sep. 23, 2013 6:19 p.m. ET

foxsports

ARLINGTON, Texas – Three members of the Rangers and the club's foundation have come to the rescue of a local youth baseball organization in financial straits.

Shortstop Elvis Andrus and pitchers Derek Holland and Joe Nathan made donations to the Southeast Arlington Little League whose former president was accused of stealing more than $20,000 from the organization.

The missing money forced the league to cancel its fall season, but the Rangers players and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation have stepped in to help with funding.

"For us, it's just something you want to continue to allow the youth and the kids to have the same chance we did," Nathan said before Monday's game against the Houston Astros.

"I know growing up, I couldn't imagine not having a place or an organization to go play for. It was just something we never thought about being taken from us. To have that opportunity to help these guys get back on the field and enjoy a game that they love and have fun, it's hopefully something that other guys can continue to help out when kids are in need."

The Rangers also donated 500 tickets to the Southeast Arlington Little League to distribute to its players. There will also be a presentation to the league before the game.

Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire