MLB All-Star pitchers team up with Bayer for prostate cancer awareness

MORRISTOWN, N.J. MLB All-Star pitchers John Smoltz of the Boston Red Sox and Derek Lowe of the Atlanta Braves have teamed up with Bayer Consumer to join the "One A Day Men's presents MLB Strikeout Prostate Cancer Challenge" in an effort to raise awareness of prostate cancer, Bayer announced Tuesday.

"Prostate cancer wasn't something I ever really thought about until I learned how common it is. Now, I want to do all I can to spread the word," Lowe said. "I know now that there are a number of things men can do to support their prostate health, like going to the doctor for regular check-ups and getting proper screening to detect problems early. Along with a healthy diet, they can also take a multivitamin formulated specifically for men." 

This is the second year of the Strikeout Prostate Cancer Challenge. During the inaugural 2008 season, the program raised a total of $333,780. Based on that success, One A Day and MLB again will make a $10 donation for every strikeout recorded this season to The Prostate Cancer Foundation, the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research.

"Prostate cancer is a disease that will affect 1-in-6 men in their lifetime, and yet we still do not talk about it enough," said Smoltz. "We are helping men realize the importance of prostate health. I'm looking to strike out as many people as possible for such a good cause."

To show their commitment to this program, Lowe and Smoltz also are personally donating $10 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation for every strikeout they record during the 2009 season.