Garth Brooks Checks Out Of Mets' Training Camp

Garth Brooks' spring training stint with the New York Mets translated into commitments from 110 Major League Baseball players to donate money to the country music superstar's Touch 'em All Foundation. However, Brooks wasn't as successful at the plate, where he went hitless in 17 at bats.

Players donate money to the foundation--which Brooks founded last spring to collect funds to benefit children's charities--based on their statistics. For instance, Mets third baseman Robin Ventura agreed to donate $1,000 to Touch 'em All for each home run he hits during the upcoming season. Former Met pitcher Jesse Orosco (since traded to the St. Louis Cardinals) will donate money to the foundation each time he appears in a game.

Though he could have remained in camp for another week, Brooks, 38, left the Mets' Florida spring training facility on Sunday (3/20) to prepare for an performance with Ray Charles and Whitney Houston on the March 26 Academy Awards telecast.

According to the New York Post, Brooks regularly stayed at the ballpark after games to sign autographs for every fan who wanted one. On Saturday (3/19), after the Mets' game ended around 4 p.m., Brooks stayed to meet with fans and sign autographs until midnight. The month-long stay in spring training was Brooks' second in as many years. Last year, during a seven-week spring training stint with the San Diego Padres, Brooks reportedly helped to raise $1.8 million for the foundation. He mustered one hit in 22 at bats last year.