Smith excited to pay it forward for single-mom families

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HOUSTON -- Raised in Florida by a single mother who made sure he never missed a baseball practice or tournament, Astros right fielder Cam Smith has never taken for granted the sacrifices made by his mom, Stephanie Hocza.

Smith saw firsthand the struggle single mothers have raising a family, especially when it comes to finances. That's not only true with raising athletes and the expense that comes with that, but also day-to-day responsibilities of clothing and putting food on the table. Now that he's in position to help other single mothers, the 23-year-old Smith is doing just that.

Several of Smith's Astros teammates, including Yordan Alvarez, Carlos Correa, Taylor Trammell and Brice Matthews, were on hand Monday night at a Houston boutique for the launch of the Cam Smith Foundation, which will provide support for single mothers and their children through meaningful experiences, mentorship, community partnerships and direct support.

"I'm so excited," Smith said. "I couldn't wait for this day. Obviously I'm helping out the single-mother households and that community itself because I was one of those kids. I'm happy to start and get it going."

Smith was hoping to raise thousands of dollars Monday night though auction items that included baseballs, jerseys and bats signed by Smith and some of his teammates. Even Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan donated some items to be auctioned for charity.

Hocza, a data processor at Palm Beach Central High School (which retired Smith's No 13 jersey earlier this year), was the one who informed Smith he had made the Major League roster for the first time when she was invited into the Spring Training clubhouse prior to the 2025 season. It was only fitting she gave her son the news he was going to live his dream.

"All of her free time was really taken away by me, obviously for good reason," Smith said. "Just thinking about it 15 years down the road, she didn't have any free time. It was always me. We would play tournaments every single weekend and be in different cities, different states, and she found a way to get me there. She found a way to make my dreams come true."

Smith was selected 14th overall by the Cubs in the 2024 Draft and traded to the Astros later that December as part of the Kyle Tucker trade. Smith parlayed a terrific spring into a spot on Houston's Opening Day roster, and he's been a mainstay in right field since. In two seasons, he's slashed .222/.294/.375 with 30 homers, 107 RBIs and twice finished as a Gold Glove finalist in right field -- a position he hadn't played before the spring of '25.

Hocza, who's a regular at Smith's games, couldn't attend Monday's event, but this was only the start for the Cam Smith Foundation.

"Unfortunately, she couldn't make the first event, but I know without a doubt she'll be at the next one," Smith said. "Obviously, it hits home for us. We got emotional about it together."