The Nashville Sounds Step up to the Plate to Save Lives

Tennessee Donor Services partnered with the Nashville Sounds to host the Home Run for Life Game on Thursday, July 30, during the Sounds’ matchup against the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, at First Horizon Park. The evening was filled with meaningful moments that celebrated the life-saving impact of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Lasting Connections: Ceremonial First Pitch

Before the first pitch, Michael Mason, father of donor hero Hayden Mason, joined his family on the field alongside Hayden’s lung recipient, Alfred Arayza, and his family to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Their shared moment served as a powerful reminder of the lasting connections made possible through the gift of donation.

‘Round the Booth and Bases for Life

During the middle of the third inning, 13-year-old kidney transplant recipient Matthew Fuqua of Hendersonville took a memorable Home Run for Life lap around the bases, receiving cheers from fans as his story highlighted the hope and second chances made possible by donor heroes and their families. Throughout the evening, TDS ambassadors welcomed fans at a booth behind home plate, engaging the community in conversations about organ, eye, and tissue donation, answering questions, and giving away Donate Life promotional items.

The night ended with the Charlotte Knights defeating the Nashville Sounds 6-4. 

Home Run for Life Night was a meaningful celebration of donor heroes, transplant recipients, and the families whose generosity continues to save and heal lives. Tennessee Donor Services is grateful for its continued partnership with the Nashville Sounds and remains committed to honoring donor heroes while inspiring more Tennesseans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Tennessee Donor Services invites all Tennesseans to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor at donatelifetn.org.