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Hitting a Home Run

Brandon and Jalynne Crawford on Giving Back, Family, Careers, and What They are Most Thankful For

Article by Michelle Glicksman

Photography by Nikki Ryan Photography and McCall Media Management

Originally published in Scottsdale City Lifestyle

Brandon and Jalynne Crawford have called Arizona home for almost eight years. Brandon has spent the past nine seasons playing for the San Francisco Giants, while Jalynne co-owns and helps run Tiny Turnip. Together, they have four children. Here, they share their thoughts on their lives together.

You both went to UCLA—is that where you met?

Jalynne and Brandon Crawford: We both attended UCLA in the fall of 2006 on scholarships for baseball (Brandon) and gymnastics (Jalynne). UCLA is where we met at the athlete orientation before school started. We were friends for a few months and couldn’t deny that we were more than that. We have been best friends ever since.

Jalynne, you have been busy with your “Catch a Cure” collaboration. Can you tell us about it?

JC: The “Catch A Cure” collaboration was started when Rady’s Children’s Hospital came across Tiny Turnip on social media. Tiny Turnip is my company, along with my business partner/founder Rachel Luzi. They asked if we could create an artwork that raised money and awareness for pediatric cancer awareness month.

It was an easy fit because pediatric cancer is near and dear to our hearts. I envisioned a Gold Glove catching a ball with the laces being the gold ribbons. We chose nine powerful words like Brave, Courage, and Hero because September is the ninth month, and there are nine players on a field.

My partner is an artist and created it beautifully. 100% of profits from the campaign are donated to pediatric cancer research. On the page you can find T-shirts, mugs, blankets, and a donate button to help. It has been amazing to see all the love and support we have received thus far.

What draws you to this mission?

JC & BC: Pediatric cancer has personally affected us through close family and friends. Their stories, along with many others, inspired us to fight for these precious children and their families.

Why is giving back important to you?

JC & BC: We are fortunate to be in a position to make an impact on people’s lives. Giving back is important to us because it helps us feel we are making a difference in our community. We also choose causes that have personal connections to us because it is so meaningful.

Brandon, how are you involved?

BC: Along with getting other players from around the league to help spread awareness, I have used my social media platform to help the cause. I personally donated autographed memorabilia, and helped gather signed items from other players, for donations and prizes for giveaways to make the “Catch A Cure” collaboration fun.

Are you both involved in any other charitable efforts?

JC & BC: We run a kids baseball camp (creatively called the Brandon Crawford Baseball Camp). We try to have them twice a year, one in the Bay Area and one in Arizona. Brandon donates his time to go to every station to help kids get better at baseball and life skills. We donate all profits to many different causes. Annually, we donate to B.A.T. (Baseball Assistance Team), the Junior Giants Stretch Drive, pediatric cancer, and more.

You are both such busy people—Brandon, you just completed your ninth season with the San Francisco Giants—and you have four children! How do you juggle it all?

BC: The baseball side of things is relatively “easy” because I just go to the field and do my job. With travel, crazy schedules, the kids’ school, and trying to keep up with four little ones, it’s the home life that gets a little hectic sometimes. I wouldn’t be able to manage it all without my superhero wife, Jalynne.

Is there anything you can tell us about your children?

JC & BC: Braylyn was born on December 18, 2012. She was the first-born, and the leader of her brothers and sister. She loves to draw, create stories, and play Barbies. She is kind, smart, and beautiful.

Jaydyn is our second daughter and was born on March 8, 2014. She loves her baby dolls (and tends to them daily), elephants, and butterflies, and playing sports. She is the biggest helper with her younger siblings and cousins. She is sweet, sensitive, and adorable.

Braxton is our third child, first son, and was born January 15, 2016. He loves baseball, firetrucks, and the outdoors. He is always wanting to play sports outside. He is the most caring, loveable little boy and always has a smile on his face.

Last, but not least, is Bryson, our fourth kid, second son, and born June 18, 2018. He loves animals, dinosaurs, and trucks. He always wants to play in the water. He is silly, stubborn, sensitive, yet so affectionate and cute.

What is your favorite part of being a parent?

JC: My favorite part of being a parent is seeing the joys of life through their eyes.

BC: I love watching each of them grow up and hit different milestones of life. Whether it’s watching them take their first steps, or learning how to read, you feel such a feeling of accomplishment as a parent.

Brandon, what originally drew you to baseball?

BC:  My dad was a huge baseball fan way before I was born. I was watching baseball games as a baby and swinging a bat as soon as I could walk. He definitely passed his love for baseball on to me.

Any mentors or people who have influenced you?

JC & BC: Both of our parents have had tremendous influences on our lives. We are grateful to always have their love and support. Neither of us would be the people we are now without them.

Biggest personal achievement?

JC: Being a part of a company that not only instills a love of sports, but also has a mission to find creative ways to give back to the community.

BC: Not only being able to live out my dream of playing baseball in the major leagues, but winning the World Series… twice!

Why did you decide to move to Scottsdale?

BC: As a kid, I traveled from the Bay Area to Scottsdale annually with my dad to watch Giants spring training games. I always loved it. When I was drafted by the Giants, I had spring training in Scottsdale every year. The more Jalynne was out here, the more she liked it. We decided to buy a house here in early 2013, the year after my first full season in the big leagues. After living out here for a few years, we decided Scottsdale would be our forever home.

What do you love about the area? Any favorite spots around town?

JC & BC: We love everything Scottsdale has to offer. There is so much to do for every age. The kids like to go to Butterfly Wonderland, the aquarium, the Phoenix Zoo, movie theaters, and parks. We love the variety of great restaurants, especially Butter’s Pancakes and Café, Blanco, and Preston’s Steakhouse. Brandon also likes the many different golf courses to choose from.

This holiday season, what are you most thankful about or for?

JC & BC: On holidays, being with both of our extended families is what’s most important to us. We enjoy the special time that we get with our nieces, nephews, and the rest of our families.

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