Lots of toys, holiday joy

Former Ray Elijah Dukes and a childhood friend give away 300 toys.

By JAN WESNER, Times Staff Writer
Published December 24, 2007

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Elijah Dukes said he didn't do it for the publicity.

The controversial former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder gave away about 300 toys Sunday during a low-key gathering at Macfarlane Park in Tampa.

Dukes and Michael Burgess, a former star at Hillsborough High School, organized the event with little fanfare and almost no media coverage.

Dukes, 23, said he's always been generous with presents, but baseball has given him more financial freedom.

"Now I'm able to do it more and more every year," he said.

Dukes was traded earlier this month to the Washington Nationals after a year of personal and family problems sidetracked his career.

Dukes made headlines again and again, most notably in May when he allegedly left a threatening message on his estranged wife's cell phone.

As recently as this month, a girlfriend accused him of domestic violence. The charge was dropped when the girlfriend didn't show up for a court hearing.

Dukes and Burgess grew up together and both attended Hillsborough High. Burgess, considered one of the best high school players in the country, signed with the Nationals in July.

Burgess said Dukes called him a few weeks ago and asked if he'd help with the toy drive.

The two bought all the gifts - everything from bikes to shoes to baseballs - and set up a bouncy house for the Sunday event.

"Next year I want to get at least 1,000 kids," Dukes said.