According to fairly conservative estimates by the U.S. State Department, there are some 27.5 million individuals imprisoned in sexual servitude, which includes 1.5 million individuals in North America alone. These numbers showcase the reality of the moral failures that are plaguing our society today. The growth of such a horrendous industry within our free land was the impetus behind the decision made by Adam LaRoche, a former first baseman and professional baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, to retire to focus more on fighting back against human trafficking in America.

Adam LaRoche’s Conviction and Decision to Retire From Baseball

LaRoche said the following about his decision to retire and then focus on fighting against human trafficking:

“I’m here for something bigger than playing baseball. That mindset made my decision easy.”

He went on to add what brought the subject up to him in the first place and what got the idea started:

“A chaplain asked us, ‘When you die, what do you want to be remembered for? Then asked, ‘Well, wouldn’t it make sense to start focusing on whatever that is right now? The way he put it was just so black and white. I’ve never forgotten it.”

It was this passion that led LaRoche to move away from the success he was having on the baseball diamond to give more of his time and resources to fight against the horrors of human slavery in the form of trafficking. 

Eye-Opening Experience

For LaRoche, his first eye-opening experience involving human trafficking came in 2014, when he went on a trip to Southeast Asia. During this trip, he worked with the non-profit organization Exodus Road to infiltrate brothels. He was able to work undercover and gather evidence of exploitation and abuse behind many illicit operations. This left a mark on him that changed his life from then on. He has since begun working with private sector groups, nonprofits as well as government organizations on American soil to combat the fast-growing problem through his platform. 

Saved in America

Saved in America also works to free girls from the horrors of the human trafficking industry, and we applaud individuals like Adam LaRoche who have set aside personal riches and fame to give back to those in need who cannot fight for themselves.