The 30th anniversary of The Players Trust – the philanthropic arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association – is off to a strong and meaningful start, with celebrations unfolding right here in Arizona.
More than 50 professional players joined The Players Trust for two events, bringing both star power and heart to the Valley. Players from across the Cactus League, including Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll and Kevin Ginkel, spent time connecting with students at the inaugural Student Athlete Innovation Summit in February.
The Summit welcomed 75 high school baseball and softball players from 15 Phoenix-area schools for an afternoon that blended sports with forward-thinking technology.
Working in teams, students developed product prototypes rooted in baseball and artificial intelligence, diving into concepts like AI-powered swing assessment. As ideas took shape, collaboration and creativity were on full display, culminating in a Student Pitch Competition. Players Jose Trevino, Harrison Bader, and Will Benson served as judges, offering real-time feedback as students presented their innovations.
The winning team earned a moment they won’t soon forget, helping throw out the ceremonial first pitch alongside Ginkel the following evening at the Playmakers Classic, The Players Trust’s flagship event.
Held February 18 and hosted by Fanatics, the Playmakers Classic brought together more than 415 attendees at Warehouse 215. The evening blended entertainment and purpose, featuring games, a sports memorabilia silent auction, and a lively atmosphere complete with food and drinks from area favorites. Guests also enjoyed a live performance from The Silent Comedy and a live episode of the Foul Territory Podcast.
Throughout the night, players mingled with fans and community partners, sharing stories and spotlighting the causes they champion. Among those in attendance were Zach Agnos, Tristan Beck, Will Benson, Alex Call, Corbin Carroll, Evan Carter, Zack Gelof, Kevin Ginkel, Hogan Harris, Rece Hinds, Blake Perkins, Ryan Rolison, and Brent Suter, each contributing to the event’s spirit of connection and generosity.
The Playmakers Classic also highlighted strong partnerships, bringing together organizations and businesses committed to making a difference across Arizona.
By the end of the evening, that collective effort translated into more than $640,000 raised in monetary and in-kind support, a powerful reminder that when sports and community come together, the impact can extend far beyond the game. Learn more at Home | MLB Players Trust.
