Players Trust announces Ryan Walker as the third Most Valuable Philanthropist of the 2025 season
- MLB Players Trust
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Giants pitcher awarded $10,000 grant to support his charitable works
NEW YORK, June 26 – The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced today that San Francisco Giants reliever Ryan Walker is the third Most Valuable Philanthropist of 2025. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Walker’s honor to recognize his charitable efforts in partnership with Family House, George Mark Children’s House and Big League Impact – among others. Walker plans to use the grant to support his new nonprofit organization Jesus Over Baseball, which will provide baseball equipment, clothes, and other resources to impoverished countries.
During his time in San Francisco, Walker has immersed himself in philanthropic work on behalf of vulnerable Bay Area communities. This year, he pledged a donation to Family House for every strikeout he records. He has also organized volunteer events at soup kitchens and shelters for his teammates and their families in Houston and Philadelphia, with the goal of hosting a service event on every road trip. Ryan also teamed up with World renowned pizzaiolo and 13-time World Pizza Champion, Tony Gemignani, for the ninth annual Slice House fundraiser. Ryan created a unique pizza to be sold throughout the 2025 season at a number of Slice House locations across the Bay Area with $1 per slice and $6 per full pizza benefitting George Mark Children’s House – an organization that provides life-affirming care and comfort for children and their families.
“Ryan has used his time as a Major League Player to the fullest, giving back to the Bay Area community in so many ways,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “He truly understands what it means to do good for those who need it, and we’re proud to support his continued work with this award.”
Drafted out of Washington State in 2018, Walker made his MLB debut for the Giants in 2023 after four seasons in the minor leagues and earned his first career win in his major league debut. Now in his third season with San Francisco, he has compiled a 2.78 ERA, 207 strikeouts, and 21 saves over 171 innings on the mound.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to take advantage of this platform to benefit the lives of others,” said Walker. “I’m grateful to the Players Trust for the recognition and support and will continue to do my best to make an impact in our community off the field.”
The Players Trust’s Most Valuable Philanthropist award will be given six times this season to Players who demonstrate an altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond. Each winner receives a $10,000 grant from the Players Trust to his chosen charity.
The Players Trust’s Most Valuable Philanthropist award will be given six times this season to Players who demonstrate an altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond. Each winner receives a $10,000 grant from the Players Trust to his chosen charity.
For more than 25 years, Players have been committed to making a difference by contributing their funding, time, talent and passion to help communities in need and encouraging others to get involved. Through the Players Trust, Players have supported a wide range of programs, granting tens of millions of dollars to make a positive impact on the lives of fans and youth organizations.