MLB, players give $100K to Texas explosion victims

MLB, players donating $100,000 combined to victims of massive Texas fertilizer plant explosion

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Major League Baseball and the players association are donating a combined $100,000 to victims of the Texas fertilizer plant explosion that killed at least 14 people and injured about 200.

The league says Thursday it will encourage fans to donate during games on national television and with signage behind home plate.

The plant in West, Texas, exploded during a fire April 17. Officials say 12 emergency responders were killed and dozens of homes were destroyed or damaged in the massive explosion that left a crater 90 feet wide.

The donation from MLB and its players will be to the POINTWEST Bank Fund in West, about 75 miles south of Dallas.

Commissioner Bud Selig says baseball is proud to donate in the town's "difficult time of need."