In a departure from in-game updates and sharing personnel moves, the Tampa Bay Rays took to social media on Thursday to instead address the recent mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. As part of their statement, the organization committed to a $50,000 donation to Everytown for Gun Safety’s Support Fund.

In addition to their donation, the Rays were joined by the New York Yankees in a decision to not post any game updates from their matchup at Tropicana Field on Thursday night. Instead, the two teams both used their platforms during the game to share resources, statistics and information regarding gun violence in America.

“We all deserve to be safe,” the Rays said in their announcement, “in schools, grocery stores, places of worship, our neighborhoods, houses and America. The most recent mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde have shaken us to the core. The Tampa Bay Rays are mourning these heartbreaking tragedies that took the lives of innocent children and adults.

“This cannot become normal,” the announcement continued. “We cannot become numb. We cannot look the other way. We all know, if nothing changes, nothing changes.”

St. Pete native, Mayor expresses admiration for Rays’ action

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch released an announcement of his own responding to what he called the “bold and courageous leadership” of the Rays and Yankees.

“I have never been more proud to be a Rays fan than I am today,” Welch said. “May this public campaign raise the awareness desperately needed to lift our nation from the depths of senseless slaughter.”

The Rays partnered with Everytown – the largest gun violence prevention organization in America – to make the announcement, bringing awareness to the issue and bringing facts about gun violence to the forefront.

“We understand that no single organization can solve this crisis alone,” the Rays announcement concluded, “but working together, we can make an impact. We invite you to join us and do what you can, when you can, where you can – because our lives depend on it.”