Crosscutters' Rhashan jersey raffle raises thousands for Lycoming Special Olympics

Williamsport, Pa. — The Williamsport Crosscutters owe a lot of their popularity and morale to their Director of Smiles, Rhashan West-Bey.

In celebration of this beloved member of the community, the Cutters wore special jerseys featuring Rhashan's likeness for his half-birthday, June 28, during their game against West Virginia.

Rhashan's birthday is off-season on Dec. 28, so the Cutters have added a celebration of his half-birthday to their MLB season schedule.

The jerseys, sponsored by Bower Electric, were auctioned off after the game. The auction raised $4,502.71 for the Lycoming County Special Olympics, a cause close to Rhashan. He competes in the bowling category.

The Crosscutters became acquainted with Rhashan in 2002 when he lived in an apartment near Bowman Field. He would regularly appear at games and chat with players and staff, and eventually a staff member invited him to tour the Cutters' offices. After the tour, Rhashan would stop by regularly and receive game tickets in exchange for doing odd jobs. He was officially promoted to Director of Smiles in 2004.

Since then, Rhashan has become a local celebrity. He has his own merchandise including a Crosscutters "Legends" baseball card, a bobblehead, pins, and a plush; he's a member of the Bowman Field Hall of Fame; he hypes up the team and the crowd for games; and even past Cutters players who have moved on to other things still fondly remember and keep in touch with him.

He's known for his work ethic, incredible memory, great singing voice, and, of course, being able to make anyone smile!