The New York Yankees have long been known for their prowess on the baseball field, but many of the team’s players are making equally impressive impacts off the diamond. From establishing foundations to support various causes to participating in community outreach programs, Yankees players are using their platform to make a difference in the lives of others.
Yankees captain Aaron Judge’s All Rise Foundation
Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain and face of the franchise, has been a leader both on and off the field. In 2023, Judge was awarded the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing his outstanding commitment to the community. This came after being nominated for the award in 2021, showcasing his consistent dedication to giving back.
Judge’s All Rise Foundation, established in 2018, aims to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach their full potential. The foundation’s name plays on the “All Rise” call often heard when Judge steps up to bat, symbolizing the organization’s goal of elevating youth.
The All Rise Foundation has made significant investments in youth development. In recent years, it has invested $56,000 in the Aspiring Leaders program, sending 1,844 students to leadership development conferences. Additionally, it has granted $87,500 in mini-grants to youth and community-based organizations in San Joaquin, Fresno, and Bronx counties.
Judge’s commitment to youth development stems from his own experiences growing up in Linden, California. He recognizes the importance of providing opportunities and support for children to help them become responsible and hopeful citizens.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole’s foundation: Gerrit & Amy Cole Foundation
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and his wife Amy have established the Gerrit & Amy Cole Foundation with a mission to improve the standard of living for children across the country. The foundation focuses on five main areas: pediatric cancer research, childhood hunger in America, education, culture & arts education, and athletic opportunities for children.
Cole’s foundation reflects his belief that every child deserves an opportunity to stay healthy, educated, and safe. By supporting organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children facing challenging situations, the Coles are making a tangible difference in communities across the nation.
The Carlos Rodón Foundation
Left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón and his wife Ashley founded The Carlos Rodón Foundation with a deeply personal mission. Inspired by their own challenging journey to parenthood, which included multiple pregnancy losses, the Rodóns created The Willow Grant to support couples struggling with infertility.
Named after their “miracle” daughter Willow, the grant aims to provide financial assistance to families seeking fertility treatments like IVF. Rodón’s foundation demonstrates how personal experiences can drive athletes to create meaningful change for others facing similar challenges.
Jazz Chisholm Foundation
Jazz Chisholm Jr., the Yankees’ latest acquisition, is slowly becoming one of the everyday names in pinstripes, has also been making waves with his charitable efforts. The Jazz Chisholm Foundation focuses on providing opportunities for young athletes and their families in high-need communities in Florida and the Bahamas.
The foundation’s work includes providing equipment and resources to youth baseball and softball leagues, incorporating financial literacy education into programming activities, and supporting mission-aligned nonprofit organizations.
In September 2023, Chisholm launched a Little League in Nassau, Bahamas, recruiting 200 boys and girls for the inaugural team. The league provided uniforms, cleats, gloves, and other equipment at no cost to participants.
Chisholm’s commitment to mentorship was evident during the Little League Classic, where he formed a special bond with a young fan, Russell McGee. Inspired by veterans who had mentored him early in his career, Chisholm promised to be a “big brother” to McGee, showcasing the personal connections that can form through these charitable initiatives.
Marcus Stroman: HDMH Foundation
Marcus Stroman, nominated for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, runs the HDMH (Height Doesn’t Measure Heart) Foundation. Standing at 5’8″, Stroman was often told he was too short to become a professional baseball player. His foundation aims to inspire children, especially those from inner cities and in-need areas, to rise above their circumstances and pursue their dreams.
The HDMH Foundation focuses on core values such as perseverance, confidence, resilience, responsibility, and education. Stroman’s personal story of overcoming doubts about his height serves as a powerful message to young people facing their own obstacles.
Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation
First baseman, a leader in the Yankees clubhouse, Anthony Rizzo, who won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2017 while with the Chicago Cubs, continues his charitable work with the Yankees. The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, founded in 2012, supports pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Rizzo’s commitment to this cause is deeply personal, as he is a cancer survivor himself. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 18, Rizzo’s experience shaped his desire to become a role model for cancer patients and their families.
José Trevino supporting Special Hearts in the Arts
Catcher José Trevino, nominated for the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award, has been recognized for his charitable efforts. Recently, Trevino was named the first Most Valuable Philanthropist by the MLBPA Players Trust, receiving a $5,000 grant for Special Hearts in the Arts, a nonprofit in his hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas.
The organization, founded by Trevino’s former high school teacher Sherri Davis, provides arts education to those with special needs. Trevino’s support for this cause demonstrates how players often give back to the communities that shaped them.
Giancarlo Stanton: All-Star Smiles and beyond
Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, another clubhouse leader in the Yankees camp, was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2020 and has made significant contributions to various causes. He has donated $72,500 to finance The All-Star Smiles Organization, which provides pediatric preventive dental care services and education to thousands of children across Miami since 2014.
Stanton has also been a supporter of the Stand Up to Cancer campaign and has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support after-school programs and resources for young individuals.
Juan Soto: Giving back to his roots
The Yankees’ newest star, Juan Soto, has been making an impact consistently in his hometown in the Dominican Republic. Soto recently visited his roots, bringing help and support to the community that saw him grow up. His efforts extend beyond his home country, as he’s also working to address the global water crisis.
Soto has started a charity to provide clean water to people in need, working with local partners to ensure access to this vital resource. Additionally, he donated $200,000 to support Dominican Olympians participating in the Tokyo 2020 Games, including baseball players, boxers, and track and field athletes.
The Yankees’ commitment to community service is evident through the actions of these players and many others on the roster. Their efforts demonstrate that the impact of professional athletes can extend far beyond their performance on the field, touching lives and inspiring change in communities around the world. As the legacy of Roberto Clemente continues to influence players across Major League Baseball, the Yankees organization stands as a shining example of how sports can be a powerful force for good. What do you think? Leave your comment below!
