A Pillar of the Community: Chris Stanfield Named 2025 Winner of the Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy
In a world where athletic prowess often dominates the headlines, it’s easy to overlook the impact athletes have off the field. Yet, every so often, an individual emerges who reminds us that greatness is not solely measured in home runs or highlight reels, but in the quiet, consistent work done in service of others. Chris Stanfield, the 2025 recipient of the Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy, stands as a shining example of that ideal. At just 23 years old, Stanfield has already carved out a remarkable legacy of compassion, leadership, and dedication to his community—one that mirrors the legacy of the award’s namesake.
Named for the late Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, who was as beloved for his humility and generosity as for his legendary bat, the Community Service Trophy honors players who embody a spirit of giving back. It is not awarded lightly. Recipients are recognized for meaningful, sustained contributions to their communities, and for using their platform not only to inspire, but to enact real, tangible change. This year, the selection committee found in Chris Stanfield not only an outstanding athlete, but a role model who exemplifies everything the award stands for.
Stanfield, a promising outfielder in the Miami Marlins organization, has never let his rising star in professional baseball overshadow his deep-rooted commitment to making a difference. Even before being drafted, he was well known in his hometown of Tallahassee, Florida for his volunteer work and mentorship initiatives. Friends, neighbors, and teammates describe him as someone who has always been present—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually—for those in need. His approach to community service is not performative; it is personal. It is woven into the fabric of who he is.
Chris Stanfield’s journey to this moment is as inspiring as his current achievements. Growing up in a tight-knit family, he was raised with a strong emphasis on values: faith, humility, hard work, and compassion. His parents, both public school educators, instilled in him an awareness of the challenges that many families face. From a young age, Chris was involved in local outreach efforts—food drives, neighborhood cleanups, and youth mentorship programs. He didn’t see these as extracurricular activities but as responsibilities, as natural extensions of his role in the community.
As his athletic talents began to blossom, so too did his influence. At Auburn University, where he played collegiate baseball, Stanfield quickly became known not just for his electrifying speed and defensive prowess, but for his character. He regularly volunteered with the university’s outreach programs, frequently visiting local schools to talk about education, perseverance, and making positive choices. Teachers and administrators across Lee County still recount the enthusiasm he brought to every classroom visit. More than a star athlete, Stanfield was a listener, a motivator, and—most importantly—a consistent presence.
After being drafted by the Marlins in 2024, Stanfield’s community work only deepened. While many players struggle to adjust to the rigors of professional baseball, he made time for both. In fact, he insisted on it. In the offseason, he returned home to Florida to host youth baseball clinics in underserved neighborhoods, where equipment and training resources are often lacking. He partnered with local organizations to provide free gloves, bats, and gear, but the real gift was his time and encouragement. For many of the kids who attended, it was their first time interacting with a professional athlete who looked like them, came from where they came from, and took a genuine interest in their lives.
But Stanfield’s vision didn’t stop at sports. In 2024, he launched the “Stand Tall with Stanfield” initiative, a multifaceted program aimed at uplifting youth through education, mentorship, and mental health support. The initiative quickly gained traction throughout Florida and southern Georgia. Through a combination of school partnerships, community workshops, and social media outreach, “Stand Tall with Stanfield” has reached thousands of young people, providing them with tools for self-esteem, emotional well-being, and academic success. Notably, Stanfield emphasized mental health—a topic often stigmatized in sports and among young men in particular. His willingness to speak openly about his own struggles with pressure, identity, and anxiety resonated deeply with his audience.
One of the most impactful aspects of the initiative is its mentorship network. Stanfield has recruited fellow athletes, educators, and counselors to join him in creating a support system for at-risk youth. Through one-on-one mentoring, group events, and digital platforms, the program fosters long-term relationships that go beyond surface-level interaction. Several of his mentees have gone on to college, trade schools, or leadership roles in their communities—an outcome that Stanfield regards as more meaningful than any stat line.
When asked about the inspiration behind his service work, Stanfield often refers back to the concept of legacy. “It’s not about what I accomplish on the field,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s about how I can use what I’ve been given to lift others up. Baseball has opened a lot of doors for me, but my purpose is bigger than the game.” That ethos mirrors the values that Tony Gwynn held dear throughout his life—a life defined not just by hits and batting titles, but by his integrity, mentorship, and love for community.
It is fitting, then, that Chris Stanfield now joins the ranks of previous Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy recipients—individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to humanity. Like them, Stanfield understands the responsibility that comes with visibility. He doesn’t shy away from it; he embraces it with humility and grace. His work is not dictated by publicity or awards—it is driven by empathy and an unshakeable belief in the power of connection.
The announcement of Stanfield’s award was met with widespread acclaim from across the sports world. Coaches, teammates, community leaders, and fans all expressed admiration for his dedication and selflessness. Miami Marlins General Manager Peter Bendix praised Stanfield as “a cornerstone not just of our organization, but of every community he touches. He represents the very best of what professional sports can be.” Teammates describe him as a leader in the clubhouse and a unifying presence—someone who lifts others without needing the spotlight.
Even in receiving the award, Stanfield’s focus remained on others. During his acceptance speech, he used the platform to thank his family, mentors, and the countless individuals who have inspired and supported his journey. He dedicated the award to the youth he works with every day, saying, “This trophy belongs to every kid who believes in their dreams, even when it’s hard. You matter. You are not alone. And we’re in this together.”
The Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy serves as a reminder that sports have the power to do more than entertain—they can uplift, unite, and transform. Chris Stanfield embodies that power. His story is not one of triumph over adversity in the traditional sense, but of conscious, ongoing commitment to compassion and service. He has chosen to leverage his platform for good, to be a force for positive change in a world that desperately needs more of it.
As he continues to rise in his baseball career, Stanfield shows no signs of slowing down in his community efforts. If anything, the award has only deepened his resolve. He has plans to expand “Stand Tall with Stanfield” nationally, with pilot programs already in development in Atlanta, Jacksonville, and New Orleans. His ultimate goal, he says, is to “create a culture where athletes at every level see service not as an add-on, but as part of the job.”
In honoring Chris Stanfield, the Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy also honors the values we aspire to uphold as a society—compassion, integrity, and a shared commitment to lifting one another. Stanfield may be young, but his impact is enduring. He is, without question, a pillar of the community. And like Tony Gwynn before him, he reminds us that true greatness lies not just in what you do, but in how you serve.
