T.J. Collett Named to SEC Community Service Team

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky junior first baseman/designated hitter T.J. Collett was named to the 2019 Southeastern Conference Community Service Team, the league announced Wednesday. It is the second consecutive year Collett has received the honor from the SEC.
 
Collett, who hails from Terre Haute, Indiana, is heavily involved with the NEGU/Jessie Rees Foundation, whose mission is connecting with families of young cancer patients, bringing awareness to their stories, offering them a network of helpful resources and sending the entire family encouragement throughout their journey.
 
“Being named the SEC Community Service Team means more to me than any home run I could ever hit,” Collett said. “First, I’d like to thank the SEC for the honor. I’d also like to thank The Jessie Rees Foundation for making it so easy for me to help put smiles on kids’ faces. Thank you to my teammates coaches and the UK baseball support staff for making this year’s NEGU crews possible.
 
“Service is something that has been instilled in me since I was a kid. I have my parents to thank for raising me to spread love, joy and smiles. I can’t wait to continue trying to make that possible each and every day.”
 
NEGU, which stands for Never Ever Give Up, has worked with Collett on bringing children and their families to UK home baseball games to experience pregame activities on the field and in the dugout, as well as be announced during the game.
 
As part of his work with NEGU, Collett has spearheaded an effort where members of the UK baseball team delivery Joy Jars to young cancer patients. The jars are stuffed with toys, games, and other things to brighten patients’ days while fighting the disease. Collett also works with Miracle League baseball.
 
More information on the Jessie Rees Foundation and Joy Jars can be found at NEGU.org.