2025 Philanthropist of the Year Finalists
AARON NOLA
Aaron Nola has championed the ALS Association and Team Red, White & Blue, which enriches the lives of veterans, for much of his career. Through his Strike Out ALS bowling and poker tournament series, he has helped raise more than $250,000 for ALS research nationwide. Beyond rallying others, he has made significant personal contributions through Big League Impact, including $1,500 per team win to Team Red, White & Blue and $1,500 per strikeout to ALS. He also personally donated $100,000 to Phillies Charities, benefiting Philabundance, a local food bank.
In recognition of this sustained commitment, the Players Trust awarded Nola an MVP grant to support both ALS and Team Red, White & Blue. His efforts were further honored in 2025 when the ALS Association presented him with its Volunteer Impact Award, underscoring his lasting impact on the fight against ALS and his dedication to strengthening communities.
KYLE HIGASHIOKA
Kyle Higashioka has shown steadfast support for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), which serves the families of fallen and severely wounded Special Operations personnel. To amplify his commitment, the Players Trust awarded a $10,000 grant in his honor to SOWF.
The Texas Rangers catcher has gone beyond financial contributions, leading initiatives such as hosting SOWF families at Rangers games, auctioning signed memorabilia, and partnering with Stadium Custom Kicks to design cleats honoring the foundation’s mission.
MICHAEL WACHA
Michael Wacha selected Make-A-Wish Missouri and Kansas as the recipient of his MVP grant. An 11-year MLB veteran, Wacha has long focused his giving on organizations that serve children in need, including the Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center in his hometown of Texarkana, Texas.
Through Michael’s MVP grant, he continued that legacy while also expanding his reach in Kansas City, where he serves as a Royals Literacy League Champion and, with his wife Sarah, supports organizations such as Prom Series and Giving the Basics.
MIKE TAUCHMAN
Mike Tauchman has made children with cleft and craniofacial conditions the focus of his philanthropic work, inspired by his newborn daughter Remi’s journey. Together with his wife, Eileen, he has organized comfort bag deliveries for families receiving care at Lurie Children’s Hospital and led a fundraising campaign during National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month.
As part of that effort, the Tauchman’s personally matched donations up to $18,000, helping raise significant funds to provide meals, transportation, and other essentials for families in need at Lurie.
RYAN WALKER
Ryan Walker has distinguished himself through consistent service across the country, from supporting families of ill children in San Francisco to volunteering in soup kitchens and shelters across the country during almost every road trip in the 2025 season. In 2025, he pledged a donation to Family House for every strikeout he records. Walker also makes a point of involving teammates and their families, turning service into a shared experience.
Looking ahead, Ryan is working to establish Jesus Over Baseball, a nonprofit that will provide baseball equipment, clothing, and essential resources to children and families in underserved communities around the world.
ZACK MCKINSTRY
Zach McKinstry works closely with BBQ Mission, a Phoenix-based nonprofit providing meals and resources to unhoused individuals, and NW Futures School of Development, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports underprivileged children who participate in the NW Futures Baseball Academy. He also volunteers with the Miracle League of Michigan to give children with disabilities the chance to play baseball and has supported children with pediatric cancer.
As the first MVP of the 2025 season, McKinstry has consistently used his platform to elevate community-based work and ensure young people and families have the resources they need.