Martin’s charity poker tourney a success

TORONTO — The Blue Jays and their fans went all-in for a good cause on Thursday evening at Rogers Centre.

For one night, the home field was transformed into a strategic gaming zone for Russell Martin’s inaugural poker tournament, aptly named the 55 Poker Classic.

Held in conjunction with Jays Care Foundation — the charitable arm of the Blue Jays — fans were given an opportunity to enter the tournament and test their poker skills against members of the current Toronto roster, as well as special alumni guests.

In addition to Martin, fellow Blue Jays Jose Bautista, Devon Travis, Marco Estrada, Darwin Barney and Marcus Stroman showed off their poker skills, while former Major Leaguers Devon White, Lloyd Moseby, Duane Ward and Tanyon Sturtze were also on hand to partake in the festivities.

“I knew I wanted to do something for the community, and I just kind of threw that out there with our fans,” Martin said about the idea behind the tournament. “When you’re just doing something that’s positive and everyone is behind it, you feel really good about it. It’s rewarding, …

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