On November 16th, Delta awarded $150,000 to two New York-area charities to conclude its first annual Batting Challenge between New York Yankees’ All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter and New York Mets’ All-Star third baseman David Wright. Jeter’s charity – the Turn 2 Foundation – will receive $100,000 while Wright’s – the David Wright Foundation – will receive $50,000.

Jeter edged out Wright in Delta’s 2009 challenge, with a .334 batting average versus Wright at .307.

The Turn 2 Foundation creates and supports signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and ‘TURN 2’ healthy lifestyles. The David Wright Foundation provides assistance for the health, emotional and educational development of children in need.

“Delta congratulates both Derek Jeter and David Wright for their superior level of performance and leadership, both on and off the field,” said Gail Grimmett, Delta’s senior vice president-New York. “Even though the baseball season is over – and what a season it was! – Derek’s and David’s work in the community continues, and Delta is proud to support the philanthropic organizations they lead.”

Delta in the last year has solidified its commitment to New York baseball as the official airline of both the Yankees and the Mets and their new stadiums in the Bronx and Queens, respectively. At both stadiums, Delta offers exclusive hospitality venues: Delta Sky360 Suite at Yankee Stadium and Delta Sky360 Club at Citi Field. The venues provide premium and season ticket holders with the same first class experience Delta offers customers in flight, including upscale food, beverage and entertainment. Each venue features culinary offerings and superior views of the game from behind home plate.

On October 31, Gogo Inflight Internet will be free on all Gogo-equipped Delta flights and for each free session that day, Aircell will donate $1 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to $10,000. Additionally, all Gogo proceeds from the Pink Plane in the month of October will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Customers can help support the Foundation’s mission to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by accessing Gogo on their Gogo-equipped Delta flight this Saturday for free using the code GOPINK.

Welcome to Atlanta…or back to Atlanta! It’s been two months since I’ve been home, and when I’m used to being at my house in Atlanta every night, two months away does seem pretty strange. I’m really looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, sitting on my own couch, and making that routine drive down I-85 to Turner Field.

I was lucky to have an off day to spend in Atlanta before playing a three game series against the Braves Tuesday through Thursday. No set plans for my visit yet, but I’m sure it will include lunch at Chick-fil-a (and who knows, maybe breakfast too!), a little golf at Hawks Ridge, hanging out with my wife Catie and our dogs at home, and visiting my family in Lilburn. I may even find time to do a little shopping for a couple of ATV’s to use down at our family farm during the offseason. Not sure what kind yet, so any suggestions would be great.

It will also be fun to see my former Braves teammates and friends. I’m sure Catie and I will have dinner and catch up with Brian (McCann) and his wife Ashley while we’re in town.

A few days after being traded to the Mets back in July, I traveled with my new club down to Atlanta to take on the Braves. Although I was in enemy colors, I had a great reception from the fans. I’m looking forward to that again.

It won’t be much longer until I’m back in Atlanta for a few months during the offseason. I’ll check back in with you guys soon and fill you in on my plans for the break!

Jeff Francoeur
New York Mets