Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals Wins Phi Delta Theta Fraternity’s Lou Gehrig Memorial Award
Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals has won this year’s Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, sponsored by the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity. Phi Delta Theta presents the award annually to a Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the giving character of Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig, who was a member of the Fraternity’s Columbia University chapter. The award was first presented in 1955 and is permanently maintained at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.
Witt is the third member of the Royals to win the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award following George Brett (1986) and Salvador Perez (2021). He will receive the award prior to the Royals’ game against the New York Yankees on Wednesday, May 27.
Past recipients of the award include Stan Musial, Brooks Robinson, Ernie Banks, Harmon Killebrew, Willie Stargell, Johnny Bench, George Brett, Kent Hrbek, Cal Ripken Jr., Don Mattingly, Tony Gwynn, Jim Thome, Derek Jeter, Adrian Beltre, and many others.
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Off the Field
A finalist for the 2024 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, Bobby Witt Jr. is known for his infectious charisma and uplifting spirit, which are on display in his community work. He is a dedicated advocate for organizations raising awareness and helping fight ALS.
Over the past three seasons, Witt has hosted youth baseball clinics for more than 400 local kids, supporting organizations such as Susanna Smiles, Sarah’s Soldiers, and the Team Hilliard Foundation. In 2024, his three-hour clinic raised more than $45,000 to financially support Sarah Nauser and others fighting ALS. He has also taken part in the Team Hilliard Foundation Golf Tournament, helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research, and annually organizes a Lou Gehrig Day suite to honor families impacted by the disease.
In partnership with ProCamps and CommunityAmerica, Witt hosted a youth camp that generated a $50,000 donation to the Edward Dulle Family in collaboration with Susanna Smiles, further easing the burden on families facing critical illness or the loss of a parent.
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Bobby’s passion for growing the game led to his selection as Major League Baseball’s first-ever PLAY BALL Ambassador, where he continues to inspire young athletes nationwide through instructional content and outreach. In Kansas City classrooms, Witt serves as a Royals Literacy League Classroom Champion through the Kansas City Royals Foundation, working directly with elementary students to build excitement around reading. Now in his third year with the program, he regularly visits his classroom, knows students by name, and shares lessons about focus, perseverance, and excellence.
One of his most meaningful lessons is something he calls “Bobby Breath”—the intentional deep breath he takes before stepping into the batter’s box to reset and refocus. Students now use the same technique before exams and other stressful moments, a small but powerful example of how his influence extends far beyond baseball.
“Bobby is obviously one of baseball’s biggest stars,” said manager Matt Quatraro, “but the reason I love talking about him so much is because of the way he treats his teammates, his coaches, and everyone around him.”
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Salvador Perez echoed that sentiment: “Captains lead the way off the field, too. He is a great teammate, and I am so proud to see everything he’s involved with, especially the fight against ALS.”
For Witt, the mission is simple: “In a city that I call home, it is cool to be able to use my platform to try to help the most people. It is important to make a difference for the future by helping youth on the field and in the classroom, and to also provide resources to help fight and cure ALS—a cause that is close to my heart.”
Photo by Kansas City Royals
On the Field
A true five-tool catalyst for the Royals, Witt has produced at an elite level since his call-up in 2022. He has recorded at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of his first four seasons, cementing himself as one of baseball’s most dynamic players.
In 2025, Witt elevated his game even further. He was named a repeat All-MLB Shortstop and secured his second straight Silver Slugger Award after leading the league in hits and doubles while stealing 38 bases—the second-highest total of his career. Defensively, he captured his second consecutive Gold Glove and his first Platinum Glove, posting a career-best .983 fielding percentage and leading all position players with +25 Outs Above Average.
Bobby’s 8.0 WAR ranked fourth in all of Major League Baseball, underscoring his value on both sides of the ball. After winning the Heart and Hustle Award in 2024, he remained its embodiment in 2025, appearing in more than 157 games for the third straight season and serving as the relentless engine of Kansas City’s lineup.
Bobby will represent the United States at the 2026 World Baseball Classic this March, joining Team USA’s roster alongside some of baseball’s biggest stars as he continues to showcase his talents on the international stage.
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Finalists
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, in partnership with the Live Like Lou Foundation and the Permobil Foundation, is proud to recognize the finalists for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. The award’s finalists, and their respective teams will have the opportunity to surprise an individual battling ALS in their community with a custom, team-branded, Permobil wheelchair during the upcoming season. Phi Delta Theta is proud to partner with the Live Like Lou Foundation and the Permobil Foundation to help give these priceless gifts to those affected by ALS.
Click on any image to learn more about the finalist.
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Nominees
Phi Delta Theta is proud to feature all team nominees for this year’s award. Each nominee has made great impact in his communities and for his team.
Click on any image to learn more about the nominee. Listed alphabetically.
J.P. Crawford, Seattle Mariners
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Since joining the Seattle Mariners in 2019, J. P. Crawford has emerged as a leader whose impact extends far beyond the diamond. A pillar in the Pacific Northwest community, Crawford has worked tirelessly to expand access to youth baseball and softball while championing numerous Mariners initiatives through his generosity and hands-on service.
Since 2017, Crawford has served on the board of the Baseball Generations Foundation (BBG), helping advance its mission to make baseball accessible to all young athletes. Through personal contributions and volunteer work at camps and showcase events, he has supported programming that, since 2020, has served approximately 650 players annually with equipment, instruction, and competitive opportunities. The BBG All-Star Event he leads each year has produced forty-four MLB Draft selections and more than 260 Division I scholarship recipients. The foundation has also donated 180 laptops to elementary schools in Los Angeles and Shreveport, helping bridge educational gaps for underserved students.
In 2020, Crawford partnered with the Mariners as a founding player of the Hometown Nine fellowship program, advocating for a club-sponsored initiative focused on mentorship and access for underserved youth in Seattle. Now welcoming its sixth cohort in 2025, Hometown Nine recently celebrated its first graduating class with a 100 percent graduation rate, including three college softball commits and one college baseball commit.
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Crawford’s commitment to service is equally evident in his longstanding support of broadcaster Rick Rizzs’ Toys 4 Kids Foundation. He annually volunteers at Yesler Community Center during the holidays and plays a key role in the organization’s charity gala. In 2024, the gala raised more than $950,000, supporting over 50,000 children across Washington. He also coaches in Rick’s Locker program, helping distribute sports equipment to more than 1,000 kids.
Alongside his wife, Kathleen, Crawford leads Mariners families in supporting Seattle Angels, hosting girls in foster care at T-Mobile Park and coordinating personalized back-to-school shopping experiences. He has additionally supported organizations such as the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Players Alliance, and Mariners Care Foundation.
On the field, Crawford anchored the Mariners’ infield in 2025, appearing in 157 games at shortstop and reaching base at a .352 clip. The club’s most tenured player, he helped lead Seattle to its first AL West title since 2001 and delivered in critical moments, including scoring the winning run in a 15-inning Game 5 against Detroit to send the Mariners to the ALCS. As manager Dan Wilson noted, “He’s got such great leadership skills.”
Josh Hader, Houston Astros
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Six-time MLB All-Star Josh Hader has built a reputation as one of baseball’s most dominant relievers, but his impact reaches far beyond the mound. Alongside his wife, Maria, Hader has made it a priority to invest deeply in every community he calls home. Since signing with the Houston Astros in January 2024, he has quickly established himself as a difference-maker throughout the greater Houston area.
During the 2024 season, Josh and Maria launched the Hader’s Heart program, a monthly initiative that partners with BEAR (Be A Resource) and Covenant House Texas to host children in Child Protective Services care and at-risk youth at Astros games. Participants enjoy the game from a suite, but the true highlight comes before first pitch. Hader routinely spends more than an hour on the field with the kids—playing catch, sharing conversations, allowing them to decorate his cleats, and making each child feel seen and valued. His presence is intentional and personal, creating memories that extend well beyond a single night at the ballpark.
In June 2025, the Haders hosted their first Uncork for a Cause fundraiser benefiting BEAR and Covenant House Texas. The event drew teammates, coaches, and team ownership, reflecting the respect Hader commands as both a clubhouse leader and community advocate. The couple has also organized annual toy drives, collecting hundreds of gifts for BEAR’s Christmas celebration and personally attending to connect with families and caregivers.
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Hader’s commitment to serving children predates Houston. In San Diego, he supported the Monarch School Project for unhoused youth, and in Milwaukee, he partnered with Camp Hometown Heroes to fund scholarships for children who lost a parent in active military service. His motivation is simple: children do not control the hardships they face, and he hopes to provide experiences that broaden their horizons and inspire them to dream bigger.
On the field in 2025, Hader remained one of baseball’s premier closers. The thirty-one-year-old left-hander earned his sixth All-Star selection—his first as an Astro—while posting a 2.05 ERA with 28 saves, 76 strikeouts, and a 0.85 WHIP across 48 appearances before an August injury shortened his season. At the time of his IL stint, he was tied for the American League lead in saves and ranked among league leaders in strikeouts and wins by a reliever. He converted his first 25 save opportunities of the season, setting a franchise record, and finished fourth among AL pitchers in Win Probability Added.
Francisco Lindor, New York Mets
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A respected clubhouse presence for the New York Mets and a passionate humanitarian, Francisco Lindor continues to leave a lasting imprint through his dedication to education, inclusion, and service in Queens, his native Puerto Rico, and communities beyond.
A proud alumnus of Montverde Academy, Lindor firmly believes education creates opportunity. Since 2020, he has donated more than $1 million to establish Lindor Hall, a state-of-the-art middle school facility, and launched the Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund to support students with financial need. His annual PLAY BALL events at Montverde Academy, along with ongoing mentorship visits during spring training through the 2025 season, provide scholarship recipients with hands-on learning experiences, career guidance, and encouragement to pursue ambitious goals. By investing in both facilities and futures, Lindor ensures his impact will be felt for generations.
Launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025, Smile Tuesdays with Francisco Lindor promotes dental hygiene, healthy routines, and overall wellness for young fans. Hosted at Citi Field, the program gives participants the opportunity to meet Lindor, learn about his own commitment to dental care, and hear from local dental professionals. Each child enjoys batting practice access, game tickets, interactive lessons, and leaves with a dental care kit and Mets gear. The initiative blends fun with education, empowering children to build confidence through healthy habits.
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Lindor’s deep love for Puerto Rico continues to shape his philanthropic efforts. Through partnerships with Team Rubicon and Players for the Planet, he has supported hurricane relief and environmental recovery initiatives, reinforcing his long-term commitment to rebuilding communities and protecting the island he calls home.
Lindor’s passion for inclusion is evident in his participation in the Mets’ Spring Training Clinic for Champions with Special Olympics Florida, where he works directly with athletes with disabilities. He also hosts the Lindor Clinic for Kids, mentoring youth from local leagues and Boys & Girls Clubs while promoting confidence, discipline, and joy in the game.
In 2025, Lindor delivered one of his finest seasons. Named the National League’s starting shortstop in the All-Star Game—his first such honor as a Met—he reached 1,500 career hits and recorded his first walk-off home run in Queens, the 250th homer of his career. Over 160 games, he posted a .267/.346/.466 slash line with 31 home runs, 31 stolen bases, 117 runs scored, and 86 RBIs, joining the 30–30 club for the second time. His durability, production, and leadership anchored the Mets throughout the season.
Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
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After unanimously winning the American League Cy Young Award and capturing the pitching Triple Crown in 2024, Tarik Skubal has continued to prove that his excellence extends far beyond the mound. While he remains one of baseball’s most dominant arms for the Detroit Tigers, Skubal and his wife, Jessica, have become deeply invested in strengthening the Detroit community.
The Skubals are committed supporters of the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Alternatives for Girls, an organization dedicated to empowering homeless and at-risk young women through housing, prevention, and support services. In 2024, Alternatives for Girls partnered with Full Circle Communities to open Dr. Maya Angelou Village, a 100 percent affordable housing development designed to serve individuals and families in need. The forty-five-unit complex includes twenty-three units designated specifically for Alternatives for Girls participants, along with indoor and outdoor community spaces and on-site case management offices to ensure residents have access to critical services.
To help families transition into stable housing, Tarik and Jessica covered the cost of fully assembled “Welcome Home Baskets” for each of the twenty-three dedicated units. These baskets included essential household items—bedding, cookware, and cleaning supplies—providing comfort, dignity, and stability from day one. In 2025, their support has expanded to include efforts surrounding the opening of an early childhood education center within Dr. Maya Angelou Village, further assisting domestic violence survivors and their children as they rebuild their lives.
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Skubal has also made an unrestricted donation to the Tigers Foundation, which has awarded more than $26 million in grants, tickets, and scholarships since 2005. For the fifth consecutive year (2021–25), he has participated in the Tigers’ Autograph for a Cause program, with proceeds benefiting both the Tigers Foundation and Little League programs in his hometown of Kingman, Arizona.
On the field in 2025, Skubal matched his off-field leadership with historic performance. He earned his second consecutive All-Star selection and was named the American League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game for the first time. By season’s end, he secured his second straight AL Cy Young Award, ranking among the top five in nearly every major statistical category across Major League Baseball. His continued dominance reaffirmed his place among the game’s elite.
Joe Musgrove, San Diego Padres
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In 2021, Joe Musgrove returned home to San Diego as a member of his favorite childhood team, the San Diego Padres. Over five seasons, he has grown into a leader not only on the mound and in the clubhouse, but throughout the community he has always called home. Since joining the Padres, Musgrove has committed himself to supporting local nonprofits, both through club initiatives and personal outreach, focusing especially on organizations that uplift youth facing adversity.
This past season, even while navigating a demanding rehab process following Tommy John surgery, Musgrove continued to make a meaningful impact. He and the contributed $300,000 to build a new Padres-branded playground and wiffle ball field at the Armed Services YMCA. The facility provides childcare, tutoring, and mentorship for children from enlisted military families. Musgrove personally led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and threw batting practice to military kids in attendance. The renovation will allow the YMCA to serve twice as many families, offering critical stability during deployments. His support also extends to initiatives like Operation Holiday Joy, where he has personally shopped with military families to ensure children wake up to Christmas trees and gifts.
Musgrove regularly participates in events centered on empowering young people. At Rady Children’s Hospital’s Celebration of Champions, he stands alongside pediatric cancer patients as they pass the symbolic “Torch of Life,” honoring their courage and resilience. He also supports the Padres’ annual Bikes for Kids program, helping surprise underserved elementary students with brand-new bicycles. This year, he led the presentation of San Diego’s 100,000th donated bike.
In 2023, Musgrove opened the Symbiotic Training Center in Miramar, a 6,500-square-foot performance and recovery facility designed to provide athletes of all ages access to professional-level training, therapy, and mentorship. Built with longtime trainer Jono Green, the center reflects Musgrove’s desire to share the mindset and discipline required to compete at the highest level.
He has also become a passionate advocate for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, mentoring adaptive athlete Landis Sims and even accompanying him to Antarctica in pursuit of a world-record pitching milestone. Through the Miracle League of San Diego, Musgrove has funded improvements to a specialized field that allows children with disabilities to experience the joy of baseball.
On the field, Musgrove’s legacy is equally significant. He threw the first no-hitter in Padres history in 2021 and has delivered multiple postseason-clinching performances. In 2025, he returned healthy and steady, providing veteran leadership and reliable innings as the Padres remained in contention. A former All-Star who signed a five-year extension through 2027, Musgrove continues to embody what it means to be a hometown hero—competitive, compassionate, and deeply committed to the city he proudly represents.
Jake Burger, Texas Rangers
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Since joining the Texas Rangers in 2024, Jake Burger and his wife, Ashlyn, have become powerful advocates for the Down syndrome community in Dallas–Fort Worth. Shortly after arriving, Burger changed his jersey number to 21 in honor of his daughter, Penelope. In March 2025, they launched The Burger Family Foundation to provide financial assistance, therapy access, and community support to families raising children with disabilities. Through its Pens Pearls initiative and plans for The Lucky Ranch, the foundation is creating spaces centered on belonging and hope. Their inaugural Lucky Classic celebrity softball game raised more than $250,000, while partnerships with the Rangers have generated additional funds through jersey sales and Down Syndrome Day at Globe Life Field. Burger also visited more than ten GiGi’s Playhouse locations nationwide during the season.
On the field in 2025, Burger delivered steady production in his first full season in Texas, batting .236 with 16 home runs and 53 RBI in 103 games. He made a team-leading 86 starts at first base, posted a .993 fielding percentage, and recorded two multi-homer games, showcasing both reliability and power while anchoring the Rangers’ lineup.
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Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
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Corbin Carroll has made community impact central to his identity. A cornerstone of the Diamondback’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program, Carroll goes beyond appearances—leading clinics, surprising kids at practices, and mentoring young athletes through his CC7 Fund. When he learned Phoenix-area players lacked proper cleats for tryouts, he donated 160 pairs to ensure every athlete could compete with confidence. Passionate about education, he also partnered with the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Honeywell Aerospace to distribute 10,000 STEM storybooks to Title I students, visiting classrooms to promote curiosity and opportunity.
On the field, Carroll has emerged as one of baseball’s most dynamic talents. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glove finalist, he delivered a historic 2025 season, becoming the only player in MLB history with one year featuring more than four multi-homer games and another with over three multi-triple games. He also became the only player ever to record at least 18 home runs, six triples, and 10 stolen bases within his first 60 games of a season. Combining elite speed, power, and defense, Carroll anchors the Diamondbacks’ lineup and leads with integrity and a team-first mindset.
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Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees
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Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, shines both on and off the field. Alongside his wife, Amy, he founded the Gerrit and Amy Cole Foundation in 2020 to improve the standard of living for children nationwide. Now in its fifth year, the foundation focuses on pediatric cancer research, combating childhood hunger, education, culture and arts programs, and athletic opportunities for youth. Cole and his foundation have supported organizations such as the Food Bank for NYC, NYC Public Schools, the Campaign Against Hunger, and the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, while also taking part in the Yankees’ H.O.P.E. Week to inspire children and families. His community impact was recognized with the Lou Gehrig Sports Award at ALS United Greater New York’s annual Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, honoring his leadership and philanthropy.
Although Cole missed the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, the six-time All-Star maintained a critical presence in the clubhouse. He provided guidance, motivation, and shared his experience with teammates, reinforcing his leadership role and contributing to the Yankees’ culture and performance off the field.
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Griffin Conine, Miami Marlins
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Griffin Conine, a South Florida native and 2024 MLB debutant with the Miami Marlins, has distinguished himself as a passionate community leader. Following in the footsteps of his father, Marlins legend Jeff Conine, Griffin channels the same dedication and leadership off the field that defines his game. In 2025, he championed youth development, literacy, and inclusivity through initiatives like the Marlins Tee Ball Initiative, engaging thousands of children across South Florida in twenty-six leagues. He participated in the Beep Ball Classic, playing blindfolded to connect with visually impaired athletes, and inspired young readers through Billy’s Summer Reading Challenge. He also energized MLB’s PLAY Clinic, visited Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Alex’s Place, and supported in-game recognitions for local community leaders.
On the field, Griffin made the Marlins’ 2025 Opening Day roster, earning Chevrolet’s Electric Play of the Week with a home run-robbing catch and recording a career-best ten-game on-base streak in April. After rehabbing a left shoulder injury, he returned in September with a home run in his first game back, finishing the season with a .253 batting average and .314 on-base percentage across twenty-four games, and continued his development with a stint in the Dominican Winter League.
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Brendan Donovan, Seattle Mariners (Nominated by St. Louis Cardinals)
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Brendan Donovan dedicates significant time and energy to supporting veterans, youth, and local communities. A committed supporter of Cardinals Care and the St. Louis Cardinals Community Foundation, he participates in the Winter Warm-Up, donates signed memorabilia, and hosts children and families through his Player Ticket Program, Donovan’s Dugout. He partners with Big League Impact to provide essentials to communities in need, volunteers at the Jupiter Loggerhead Marine Life Center, and joins his wife Aly annually for the Wives for Wishes Gala benefiting Make-A-Wish. Deeply connected to the military as the son of a U.S. Army deputy commander, Donovan supports the Veterans Community Project, Team Red, White & Blue, and The Kaufman Fund, raising funds, donating items, and amplifying awareness through events and social media campaigns. He also supports children with special needs and local education foundations, demonstrating tireless leadership, compassion, and integrity.
On the field, Donovan earned his first All-Star selection in 2025, showcasing strong offensive and defensive contributions. He led the NL in doubles and displayed versatility across multiple positions while continuing his Gold Glove-level defense.
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Kyle Freeland, Colorado Rockies
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A proud Denver native, Kyle Freeland has built his professional career on integrity, service, and community leadership, using his platform to uplift the people and organizations that shaped him. Since his first professional season, he has been deeply involved with Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO), supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities through one-on-one mentoring, cheering at competitions, and fundraising initiatives. In April 2024, he and his wife Ashley braved the icy SOCO Polar Plunge, raising awareness and inspiring athletes statewide. They have also donated game-worn spikes, autographed gear, and a custom SOCO-designed glove to support programming. Beyond Colorado, the Freelands pledged $3 million to their alma mater, the University of Evansville, to fund a state-of-the-art baseball clubhouse, benefitting generations of student-athletes. Kyle regularly participates in youth clinics, including The Players Alliance and Rockies events, coaching mechanics, celebrating progress, and expanding access to baseball in underserved communities, all while emphasizing humility, perseverance, and mentorship.
On the field in 2025, Kyle made thirty-one starts for the Rockies, surpassing 160 innings and providing steady leadership to a young pitching staff. Despite time on the injured list, he delivered standout performances, including a ten-strikeout game in September and a midseason stretch of five consecutive quality starts with a 1.95 ERA.
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Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers
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Sal Frelick is deeply committed to serving the Milwaukee community, using his platform to inspire children, families, and young athletes. A dedicated participant in the Brewers’ Beyond the Diamond initiative, he volunteers at schools, youth baseball clinics, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. He actively supports the Hunger Task Force, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Wisconsin, veteran organizations, and Best Buddies, reflecting his dedication to children with special needs. Sal also mentors youth through Play Ball and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), emphasizing education, perseverance, and teamwork. He participates in Brewers Community Foundation programs promoting literacy, military appreciation, and support for underserved communities. Known for his humility, kindness, and approachability, Sal serves as a role model both on and off the field.
On the field, the Boston native has become one of Milwaukee’s most versatile and dependable players. In 2025, he appeared in 145 games, batting .295 with nine home runs, fifty-one RBIs, and eighteen stolen bases. A 2024 Gold Glove winner and MLBPPA Heart & Hustle Award recipient, Sal’s elite defense, disciplined plate approach, speed, and energy make him a fan favorite.
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TJ Friedl, Cincinnati Reds
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TJ Friedl has made a remarkable impact both on and off the field, demonstrating a deep commitment to community service and youth engagement. He has organized reverse signing events with his teammates for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital patients, partnered with the hospital to have patients paint cleats for Players’ Weekend, and helped auction those cleats to benefit the hospital. TJ regularly visits patients, takes photos, answers questions, and meets with Make-A-Wish families, bringing joy to children throughout the season. He also supports Project 150 in Las Vegas, assisting homeless and disadvantaged high school students, and participates in Faith, Family, and Fastballs events to share his personal story. Beyond hospital visits, TJ engages fans through meet-and-greets at Spring Training, Kids Opening Day, season ticket member events, and Reds Baseball Camp, using his platform to inspire and connect with the next generation.
On the field in 2025, TJ appeared in 152 games, second most on the team, ranking among Cincinnati leaders with a .364 on-base percentage, 81 walks, 151 hits, 82 runs, 22 doubles, 12 steals, 53 RBIs, and 14 home runs.
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Pablo López, Minnesota Twins
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Pablo López uses his platform to uplift youth, families, and communities across Twins Territory. Since joining the Minnesota Twins in 2023, Pablo has consistently sought ways to give back, including his Pablo Day initiative, which has raised over $22,000 for local nonprofits supporting youth development, education, animal adoption, and children’s health. He regularly visits patients at Children’s Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, inspires students through school supply drives, language workshops, and back-to-school events, and participates in adaptive sports clinics and leadership academies through the Twins Community Fund. Pablo’s dedication extends beyond the Twin Cities, from hurricane relief efforts in Fort Myers to mentoring young Venezuelan students. Known for his warmth, accessibility, and genuine ability to connect, he has made hundreds of youth feel seen, celebrated, and inspired while setting a powerful example for his teammates.
On the field in 2025, Pablo showcased high-level pitching despite shoulder and forearm injuries that limited his season. In fourteen starts, he posted a 2.74 ERA over 75⅔ innings, a 1.11 WHIP, seventy-three strikeouts, and twenty walks. Even while sidelined, he remained a fixture in the clubhouse, supporting teammates, aiding broadcasts, and maintaining his leadership role.
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Bo Naylor, Cleveland Guardians
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Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to giving back, a value instilled by his mother while growing up in Mississauga, Ontario. Beyond his baseball accomplishments, Naylor has embraced opportunities to inspire and connect with others across Northeast Ohio. He has served as the face of Guardians youth camps, fostering the next generation of baseball and softball players, and has built meaningful connections with students, including through chess, where his humility and persistence earned him new young fans. Naylor also supports the Cleveland Animal Protective League, creating enrichment items and spending time with animals, and contributes to conservation efforts with the Cleveland Zoological Society. His dedication to community and his willingness to embrace discomfort—whether learning Spanish, joining the clubhouse chess club, or mentoring youth—reflect a maturity and character beyond his years.
On the field in 2025, Naylor appeared in a full season, batting .195 with fourteen home runs and forty-seven RBIs. As a catcher, he continued developing his defensive skills while providing leadership to the pitching staff.
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Logan O’Hoppe, Los Angeles Angels
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After witnessing his father’s battle with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma and the loss of close friend and former Phillies teammate Corey Phelan to leukemia, Logan O’Hoppe has dedicated himself to supporting children and families fighting cancer. Since 2024, he has served as the Official Player Partner for MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, visiting patients, befriending them, and inviting them to watch games at Angel Stadium. During Players’ Weekend, he brought a chest protector for patients to sign and draw on, wearing it during games to raise awareness for pediatric cancer. Logan also supports Corey’s Promise, raising funds to ease financial burdens for families, and hosts the O’Hoppe All-Star Bowl to benefit the cause. Throughout the year, he grants wishes through the Angels Baseball Foundation and maintains personal connections with young patients, including ten-year-old Colston, who recently completed treatment. He also honors military personnel through events like LA Fleet Week.
On the field in 2025, O’Hoppe set a franchise record with fifteen home runs by the All-Star Break and led the team with 869 innings caught. He posted a .994 fielding percentage and threw out sixteen runners, showcasing both his offensive power and defensive leadership behind the plate.
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Ryan Pepiot, Tampa Bay Rays
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Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ryan Pepiot has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to serving the community, using his platform to inspire, educate, and uplift others. Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, he assisted at emergency distribution sites with Feeding Tampa Bay, providing food and supplies to affected families. He has supported animal welfare and conservation through SPCA Tampa Bay, participating in activities like releasing rehabbed owls, walking adoptable dogs, and tending a sensory garden. Pepiot and his wife, Lilia, have contributed to charitable events such as Rays on the Runway for the Children’s Dream Fund, GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa for individuals with Down syndrome, and Reading with the Rays, where he engaged children, including those who are visually impaired. He has also supported fundraising initiatives for organizations like Starting Right, Now, and the Turner Syndrome Foundation.
On the field in 2025, Pepiot led the Rays with eleven wins, 167.2 innings pitched, and fourteen quality starts across thirty-one games. He posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .221 batting average, the seventh-lowest in franchise history. He limited opponents to three runs or fewer in twenty-three starts and achieved eleven outings of five innings or fewer with three hits or fewer, demonstrating consistency and dominance.
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Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers
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Through his Catching Hope Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has made a lasting impact on youth education, wellness, and community relief efforts. In partnership with the Dodgers Foundation, Catching Hope supports the LA Reads program, hosting reading sessions, book giveaways, and creating Literacy Corners at local elementary schools to foster a lifelong love of reading. Smith and his wife, Cara, also organize annual community clinics and school events, inviting students to Dodger Stadium for baseball drills, fitness activities, and STEM-based experiences that many would not otherwise access. In 2024, Smith expanded the foundation’s efforts to disaster relief, auctioning the final pitch ball from the World Series in partnership with the Buehler Family Foundation to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for communities affected by the 2025 Southern California wildfires.
On the field in 2025, Smith played 110 games despite injuries, batting a career-high .296 with seventeen home runs and a .901 OPS. Named to his third NL All-Star team and first as starting catcher, he batted .337 with runners in scoring position. In the World Series, Smith delivered a career-defining moment with a go-ahead, game-winning home run in the top of the eleventh inning of Game 7 against Toronto, securing the Dodgers’ championship.
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Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves
Photo by Atlanta Braves
Spencer Strider and his wife, Maggie, are deeply committed to supporting the foster care community throughout Braves Country. In 2024, they launched Foster Family Fridays with the Atlanta Braves Foundation and Georgia Kids Belong, giving foster families VIP game-day experiences, on-field batting practice, meet-and-greets, and Braves merchandise. During Foster Care Awareness Month, they host families in the Community Clubhouse at Truist Park, providing meals and personal interaction. Beyond the season, Spencer remains active with Georgia Kids Belong’s I Belong Project, helps children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, fulfills wishes for young fans like cancer survivor Beckett, and supports communities after local tragedies, including Apalachee High School. His hands-on involvement and generosity make a lasting impact on hundreds of children and families.
Building on his early career achievements as a 2022 Rookie of the Year finalist and 2023 All-Star, Strider returned to the Braves in 2025 following elbow surgery and reached his 500th career strikeout in his season debut. Despite injuries and a challenging season, he finished strong, allowing three earned runs or fewer in his final six starts.
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Ryan Walker, San Francisco Giants
Photo by San Francisco Giants
Ryan Walker approaches community service not as an obligation but as an extension of himself. He has connected with children with special needs at Fantasy Camp for Kids, visited the baseball team at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, played wiffle ball with families at Family House, and brought comfort to patients at George Mark Children’s House. Alongside his wife, Alexis, Ryan has made regular visits to Family House, offering support to children and parents and pledging donations through Big League Impact’s #ALLWIN campaign for every strikeout he recorded in 2025. He also partnered with Bay Area restaurateur Tony Gemignani to create a signature pizza benefiting George Mark Children’s House, personally making pizzas and signing autographs for patients. Beyond the Bay Area, Ryan organized volunteer efforts on every road trip, supporting food banks, shelters, and soup kitchens in cities nationwide, often bringing teammates and their families to serve.
On the field, Ryan anchored the Giants bullpen, recording a career-best seventeen saves across sixty-eight appearances in his third Major League season. He excelled in July and August, going 4-1 with a 1.77 ERA and two saves in twenty-one games.
