ASTROS: Josh Hader held a shopping spree with kids from BEAR Houston at Academy

HOUSTON – While recovering from biceps tendinitis, Astros pitcher Josh Hader is spending his downtime giving back to the community.

A group of kids from BEAR Houston (BE A Resource for CPS Kids) was given $200 of Academy store credit per child to go on a shopping spree with Hader. The Academy also donated $1,000 to the organization to support its mission, which Hader sees as a wonderful part of his career as a major league baseball player.

“You know, obviously we play baseball, that’s something we like to do, but more importantly, it’s to give back and be able to spend time with the community,” said Hader. “To be able to impact kids at such a young age and maybe inspire them to do what they love to do, whether that’s baseball or any other sport, you know, just to achieve greatness in their life, and ultimately that’s the goal.”

Hader also mentioned that he’s going to be increasing his bullpen activity, getting his reps in, and getting stronger as soon as possible. There’s no timetable for his return.