St. Joseph Mustangs show support for community, United Way

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- St. Joseph Mustangs players traded in bats and gloves for high-visibility vests and smiles, as the team volunteered to raise money for United Way and foster community engagement.

Players volunteered to help out at the Essig Family McDonald's Friday morning into the afternoon.

"So today really is a win, win, win. It's a win for United Way because the proceeds of all the sales that happen between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. are going to be donated to the 2026 United Way campaign...It's a win for the Mustangs players and fans, both because they are getting to meet each other off the field, grab some autographs, shake some hands..." United Way President Kylee Strough said. "It's a win for McDonald's; we're bringing extra traffic to them and they are in turn saying, 'thank you,' by donating a portion of proceeds."

Players manned the drive-thru, carried out mobile orders and were able to connect with community members.

"It means a lot to me," Mustangs player Chris Coy said. "Being a kid, looking up to a lot of Mustangs players growing up, being in the locker room, you know, Johnny the coach, he's my uncle. So, been around the guys pretty personally. So just seeing guys as kids who come through and kind of were in my shoes, it means a lot to me to give them a good role model to look up to."

Fans also appreciated the chance to get a little more personal with their Mustangs players.

"There is a table inside today who has been to every home game of the season. So they've been watching these guys give it their all on the field for eight weeks now; they're getting to meet them in person," said Strough. "They're getting to capture some autographs they haven't been able to get after the games. I just love watching how much our community members love this baseball team and the men and boys who make it up."

The benefit not only served as a way for community bonding, but team bonding as well.

"Whether it's like getting the fastest time versus their teammate or who can beat someone out to have that customer interactions. I think it's fun to see them work together and also challenge each other to that competition," said Madeline Essig, the chief people officer for Essig McDonald's.

The Mustangs play their final regular-season games at home Friday and Saturday.