Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association pledged $200,000 toward relief efforts for tornado victims affected by storms in the Midwest and Southeast, including Joplin, Missouri. The funds from MLB and the MLBPA were donated to Heart to Heart International as they continue to provide technical assistance, volunteer support and necessary resources, including its robust Mobile Health Clinic.

During the broadcast of game six of the 2011 World Series in St. Louis, Missouri, between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, MLB will air parts of videos produced for Heart to Heart International by Premier Studios, a Kansas City-based marketing agency, in response to the massive tornado that devastated Joplin, MO. The footage features the effective and efficient response of Heart to Heart's skilled medical volunteers supported my MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA).

"Major League Baseball is committed to providing assistance to the victims of this horrible tragedy," commissioner Bud Selig said. "The destruction and damage to these communities are beyond comprehension. We hope our contributions with the Players Association, as well as those from our fans and supporters, will help those affected by this crisis with the emergency assistance they need."

In the Joplin community of about 50,000, at least 125 people perished in the storm, and more than 900 were injured. Search crews were still looking for victims in the miles of rubble left by the tornado, which packed winds of 200 miles an hour.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families affected by these devastating storms," said MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner. "On behalf of the MLBPA and its members, I thank Major League Baseball and the clubs for joining with us to help provide assistance to those in need. We encourage others to join in this effort."