Mets star shortstop to receive $25,000 grant for his scholarship fund
NEW YORK, Nov. 28 – The MLB Players Trust announced today that Francisco Lindor is the winner of its 2023 Philanthropist of the Year Award. The four-time All-Star shortstop will be honored at the 2nd annual Playmakers Classic presented by Fanatics in Las Vegas for his tireless charitable work this year and throughout his baseball career. The Players Trust will donate $25,000 to the Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund in his honor.
The fund was established by Lindor in 2020 and provides financial assistance to deserving students at Montverde Academy, Lindor’s high school alma mater. He has long credited the Academy with providing him with a strong foundation that helped ease his professional journey in Major League Baseball. He has also credited the diversity and
structure at Montverde with helping him develop his decision-making, judgment and leadership skills.
“Access to a quality education has played a huge role in my success in life, and I believe all children should enjoy the same opportunities I was fortunate enough to receive,” Lindor said. “It is a great privilege to be able to give back to my community and make a positive impact for future generations. I hope I can serve as an inspiration for others to continue helping those in need.”
“Francisco has a passion and lifelong commitment to helping others,” said Players Trust Director Amy Hever. “He is perpetuating a living legacy of professional baseball players giving back to the causes they care about as a philanthropist and as a leader of the Players Trust.’’
The Philanthropist of the Year Award recognizes the community work of individual Players, celebrating their altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond. Each winner is selected by a panel of former Players. During the 2023 season, the Players Trust also recognized Liam Hendriks, Pete Alonso, and Kyle Gibson with the Trust’s Most Valuable Philanthropist Award. These winners also receive grants towards their chosen charities.
For over 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.
A special tribute to Lindor sponsored by ICG Pay will take place tonight at the 2nd annual Playmakers Classic at Retro by Voltaggio in the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.