Former All-Star Bourn waives rent for tenants amid pandemic

Former All-Star outfielder Michael Bourn is stepping up for his community in Houston amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since retiring from baseball in 2017, Bourn has ventured into real estate and owns three apartment complexes in the Houston area. The 37-year-old revealed this week that he waived all April rent payments for his tenants out of concern for their well-being.

"I think it's the best thing to do to help those out that are in need," Bourn told Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston on Thursday.

"Waiving rent for those people at this time is helpful in their lives," he added. "Some people are getting laid off work, some people need that (money) for groceries."

Bourn, who is the landlord for about 60 tenants across all of his buildings, expects to waive their rent again in May.

"I think that the people that can help need to help," Bourn said.

Bourn played his college baseball at the University of Houston and later spent parts of four seasons with the Astros from 2008 to 2011. Over his 11-year major-league career with five teams, he was a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, and won three straight National League stolen base titles.

He earned over $62 million during his big-league career, according to Baseball-Reference.