The former American Idol, Scotty McCreery is giving back and is helping the programs that support youth baseball.

McCreery played baseball all through high school and knows what an impact being a part of a sport can have on today’s youth. “I learned some of my greatest lessons playing sports and being a team member,” McCreery said. “Sports teach you so many life lessons about self-discipline, responsibility, teamwork, setting goals, and being fit. It’s awesome that Major League Baseball provides opportunities for kids who might not have a chance to play baseball and softball elsewhere. I’m proud to provide assistance to this program.”

McCreery’s tour started on Thursday, August 29. He visited the stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays and personally presented a $5,000 check to a Tampa youth baseball program before the start of the game. Scotty served as a pitcher on his high school team, so it would only make sense that he would throw the first pitch at the Tampa Bay Ray’s game. He also treated the team and guests to the well known song, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

Nice to be here in sunny Florida today! What’s up Tampa??

— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) August 29, 2013

Here is a schedule of the remaining tour dates:

Thursday, Sept. 12: Philadelphia Phillies v. San Diego Padres, at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Sunday, Sept. 15: Chicago White Sox v. Cleveland Indians, at Comiskey Park/U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
Sunday, Sept. 22: Washington Nationals v. Miami Marlins, at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Friday, Sept. 27: Atlanta Braves v. Philadelphia Phillies, at Turner Field/State Mutual Stadium, Atlanta

Today marked the second stop on McCreery’s tour, as he traveled to San Diego as the Padres played the Colorado Rockies.

Glad I get to help out the MCRD Jr. RBI Program here in SD! Now let's #playball @Padres pic.twitter.com/G1iWGlKe5F

— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) September 8, 2013

Thanks for having me! “@Padres: God Bless America by @ScottyMcCreery today at #PetcoPark pic.twitter.com/w6Jjusui1O”

— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) September 8, 2013

Image via Twitter