Houston Astros, Carlos Lee, helps out after Hurricane Ike

Lee goes from slugger to rancher to helping hand
Astros outfielder pitches in for Hurricane Ike relief effort in two counties
By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Sept. 18, 2008, 7:34PM
As the ranching industry in Jefferson and Chambers counties deals with the devastation left by Hurricane Ike, Astros left fielder Carlos Lee has stepped up to donate hay and lend his name to shine a light on the struggles being faced by fellow cattlemen.

In Jefferson and Chambers counties, there are at least 20,000 cattle in need of hay, feed and water; they also need to be moved, so the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is working with the Texas Department of Agriculture on farm relief.

Lee, who has ranches in Boling and his native Panama, is donating hay and planning fundraisers for the affected cattlemen in Chambers and Jefferson counties.

"Right now hay's probably the main thing they need," said TSCRA president Dave Scott of Richmond. "Most of these cattle will have to leave this area. This area is devastated. The salt water has ruined over 85 percent of the range area, so it's ruined for at least a year."

Lee, currently on the disabled list with the Astros, learned of the relief effort while visiting his friends at the J.D. Hudgins Ranch in Hungerford on Thursday. He volunteered to donate hay when asked by Coleman Locke, the president of the ranch and a member of the cattle association's Board of Directors.
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