On Wednesday, Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola was named the latest Players Trust Most Valuable Philanthropist from the Major League Baseball Players’ Association (MLBPA). The award from the MLBPA is handed out six times throughout the season, “to a Player who demonstrates an altruistic spirit and positions social impact beyond the diamond.”
Congratulations, Aaron Nola, on being named the next Players Trust Most Valuable Philanthropist!
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) May 14, 2025
During the @Phillies 2024 season, Nola donated $1,000 per strikeout to @TeamRWB, contributing a total of $197,000 for his 197 Ks. Nola has also helped raise $250,000 for ALS… pic.twitter.com/DcPAoZ6ABV
Aaron Nola
Last season, Nola raised nearly $200,000 for Team Red, White, & Blue, a charity supporting American veterans, by contributing $1,000 for every major league batter he struck out during the season. The Phillies starter finished with a 14-8 record, 197 strikeouts, and a 3.57 ERA during the 2024 campaign. Nola also donated for strikeouts from the 2023 season, bringing his total above the $400,000 milestone.
Nola will host a charity poker tournament Thursday night at Citizens Bank Park to raise additional funds for the Team RWB charity. “Aaron Nola’s unwavering commitment to supporting Veterans in partnership with Team RWB over the last three years sets a gold standard among elite American athletes,” said Mike Erwin, Founder and Executive Director of Team RWB, in February 2025. “This event will not only raise funds for our mission, but will also have a lasting impact by showing a future generation of service members that they will be supported by their nation.”
A silent auction featuring a range of Philadelphia and non-Philly sports memorabilia is being held for the event. Sports fans worldwide can contribute to the cause, including a chance to watch a 2025 Phillies game from the Owner’s Suite, donated by John and Leigh Middleton. Bidding will close on items at approximately 9:30 pm EST on May 15.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
