There’s more to Major League Baseball than just playing the game. Players have made foundations to give back to their communities and help support causes that are close to their heart or that they have been personally affected by. These are some players that have made huge philanthropic impacts in their cause.
All Rise Foundation - Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge started the All Rise Foundation in 2018. The purpose of the foundation is to “inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities” according to the website.
The goals of the foundation are to help kids achieve leadership development, financial responsibility, character development, reading and literacy, and more. Judge has hosted two All Rise Foundation Galas consisting of a reception, silent auction, dinner, and a live auction. Some of the items they have auctioned off have included a signed bat by Giancarlo Stanton, a signed Paul Skenes jersey, a Poconos vacation, and much more.
All Rise also held a book club this past summer with a list of books to choose from depending on the child’s reading level. Even though this year’s book club has closed, the reading list is still available for children to look at so they can continue to read. The foundation has also held camps where youth could develop their character traits and practice baseball skills.
Kyle Tucker Foundation - Kyle Tucker
Kyle Tucker started his foundation in 2022 with the intent to raise money to help support hospice care. Hospice Care “is a type of healthcare that focuses on pain and symptom management near the end of life, as well as emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families,” the website states. Tucker decided to dedicate a foundation for end-of-life care after his grandfather passed away.
The foundation will be holding a golf night in Tampa in February 2025. The event is held to help support hospice in the areas of Houston and Tampa. There will be auctions during the event to help raise money.
Carlos Rodón Foundation
The Carlos Rodón Foundation was founded by Carlos and his wife Ashley. They started the foundation to help families that need In Vitro Fertilization but cannot afford the cost. The Rodón’s experienced fertility troubles and had to turn to IVF in order to start a family.
“We will never forget the hope we felt knowing IVF could be the answer. We want to provide that same hope to couples who are begging for a family after recurrent pregnancy loss” (The Carlos Rodón Foundation).
In June, Carlos and Ashley Rodón gave $25,000 to the Nest Egg Foundation. The Nest Egg will help support two families that need fertility treatments.
Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation - Anthony Rizzo
Anthony Rizzo and his family founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012. The purpose of the foundation as stated on their website is to help “support pediatric cancer patients and their families.”
When Anthony Rizzo was just 17, playing minor league baseball, his world got turned upside down when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Rizzo states on his foundation website, “During this time, I realized that cancer is so much more than individual hardship, but rather a battle that the whole family must face together.”
After Rizzo was in remission and started to play baseball again, he knew he wanted to help children and their families that are going through a similar experience as him.
This year, the Foundation held its 13th annual Walk-Off for Cancer. The walk always takes place in Parkland, Florida – Rizzo’s hometown. In 2023 they raised over $1 million at the walk. There were 1,000 people that participated in the walk in person and virtually.
In 2021, Rizzo hosted a home run challenge to raise money for the foundation. People could pledge any dollar amount for each home run he would hit during that season. All of the money the foundation raises is given to children that are battling cancer and their families.
The Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund - Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor started a scholarship fund to help students who attend or plan to attend his alma mater, Montverde Academy. The Academy is a preparatory school located in Montverde, Florida known for its athletic programs. Lindor attended the Academy from eighth grade to 12th grade.
Lindor “has long credited the Academy with providing him with a strong academic foundation that supplied the basis for his ability to optimize his professional journey in Major League Baseball” (The Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund).
In order to receive the scholarship, students must have a 3.0 grade point average, be involved in extracurricular activities, and have strong character and academic integrity. Lindor always intends to put in time to know the students that receive the award.
Honorable Mention: Salvador Perez
While Salvador Perez does not have his own foundation, he was the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award for 2024. The Roberto Clemente Award is given “to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field” (MLB). Perez was awarded this because of his efforts to help his native home Valencia, Venezuela, as well as Kansas City.
Perez donated $1 million to the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy. Perez gathered over one hundred kids at the Kansas City Urban and held a baseball clinic. All of the children that attended the clinic went home with a backpack full of school supplies. In Venezuela, Perez and his family gave back to the community by giving families food and kitchen supplies.
Edited by Brittany Snow
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