Sox' Beckham goes to bat to help Parkinson research

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is stepping up to the plate to help out the National Parkinson Foundation this season.

Beckham has pledged to make a donation to NPF for every home run he hits during the 2010 season and is asking his fans to join him.

"Out of the Park for Parkinson's" is an awareness campaign the second baseman officially launched today in partnership with the foundation to help end Parkinson's disease.

Beckham and his family understand the challenges of Parkinson's firsthand: his grandfather has been living with the disease for nearly a decade.

"Living and helping my grandfather cope with Parkinson's has given me an up-close look at the suffering it causes," said Beckham. "I want to do something to raise awareness and funds to help eradicate the disease so future generations do not have to go through what our family and countless others have been through with Parkinson's."

Beckham fans can visit www.outofthepark.org to make a donation at any level and help the cause, including a $1,000 pledge that includes a ticket to attend a post-season bash with Beckham.

All proceeds benefit the National Parkinson Foundationm a non-profit organization that funds research, education and outreach programs to improve the lives of people with Parkinson's disease.