Moore: Diamondbacks' Goldschmidt says Hurricanes Harvey, Irma put baseball in perspective

Greg Moore
The Republic | azcentral.com
D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo said playing at Denver's altitude played a role in his decision to sit three stars -- Paul Goldschmidt (pictured), J.D. Martinez and A.J. Pollock.

First Hurricane Harvey rocked Houston, killing scores of people, leaving entire neighborhoods under water and causing up to $160 billion in damage.

Then, Irma ripped through the Caribbean and Florida, killing dozens and causing such widespread damage that officials haven’t been able to estimate it.

Who could blame a ballplayer for being worried about the folks back home and getting distracted from the task at hand?

But Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on Wednesday provided another point of view.

“(Tragedy) definitely keeps baseball in perspective. But also, you know how important the game of baseball, or all sports, are to people, so it makes you want to play even harder,” he said.

“This game is not life and death,” Goldschmidt said, “but this game can provide a lot of joy for people who are struggling though some tough times.”

The MVP candidate took a break from the playoff chase to speak at a Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where he volunteers and spends time with ailing children and their families.

Goldschmidt and his wife, Amy,  presented a check for more than $185,000 to the hospital, which plans to expand.

Goldschmidt, having grown up in the Houston area, also has worked to raise awareness for hurricane recovery fundraising efforts.

Several of his teammates have roots in Texas or Florida.

The five-time All Star said he hopes he can help take people’s minds off their troubles — either from health problems or natural disasters — however briefly “by playing hard or maybe even getting a hit or getting a win and that can provide some joy there. That’s where I kinda see it.”  

MORE D-BACKS:Goldschmidt having MVP-type season for the Diamondbacks

GREG MOORE:Goldschmidt should be NL MVP, but is his humility hurting him?

MORE D-BACKS:Diamondbacks playing it safe with Goldschmidt

Reach Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow him at www.twitter.com/WritingMoore.