Rangers pitcher awarded $5,000 grant to support his charitable work
NEW YORK, September 19th – The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced today that Texas Rangers pitcher Jon Gray was named the third Most Valuable Philanthropist of 2024. The Players Trust will award a $5,000 grant in Gray’s honor to benefit the Birthday Party Project, which provides birthday parties for homeless children.
Gray, a 32-year-old native of Shawnee, Okla., was drafted 3rd overall by the Colorado Rockies out of the University of Oklahoma in 2013. He made his Major League debut in 2015 and was Colorado’s starting pitcher on Opening Day in 2017 and 2018, spending six seasons with the Rockies before signing with the Rangers in 2021.
Since arriving in Arlington, Gray and his wife, Jacklyn, have supported a variety of charitable causes, focusing on work in five main areas which they call their “Fab Five for Philanthropy.” In addition to the Birthday Party Project, these areas include support for their church, for military personnel and families, animal rescue, and Mission Arlington's programs for community members in need.
Gray donates $100 per strikeout to The Pawerful Rescue and $500 per win to the Adaptive Training Foundation. He has also donated ballpark suites for the Birthday Party Project, and through his #MissionGrayWolf22 program, hosts military servicemembers and their families at the ballpark during Saturday games. In 2023, he was the Rangers’ Roberto Clemente Award nominee in recognition of his philanthropy.
“The Players Trust is pleased to name Jon a Most Valuable Philanthropist for the 2024 season and bring visibility to the support he provides in the Arlington community and beyond,” said Players Trust Director Amy Hever. “Through their wide variety of charitable works, Jon and Jacklyn have had a massive positive impact on so many people from all walks of life. We are proud to honor their efforts with this award.”
“Jacklyn and I have been so blessed in our lives, and it’s important to us that we use our platform to provide assistance and care for those who need it,” said Gray. “We’re grateful to the Players Trust for helping us give back through our Fab Five for Philanthropy initiative, and for their work supporting all Players who want to give back.”
The “MVP” award is awarded three times throughout the season to an active Player who demonstrates an altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond. Each winner receives a $5,000 grant from the Players Trust to his chosen charity. Yankees catcher Jose Trevino and Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams were previous winners this season.
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.