While Marcus Stroman’s on-field talent since making his Major League debut in 2014 with the Toronto Blue Jays has resulted in numerous accolades, including World Baseball Classic MVP, the 2017 Gold Glove Award and a two-time All-Star selection in 2019 and 2023, it is his commitment to philanthropy and community that also deserves recognition.
A native New Yorker, Marcus was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 18th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. Marcus opted to delay the start of his professional career and instead attend Duke University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2016. During his tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, Marcus began utilizing his professional sports platform to give back to the community, including making several school visits and having discussions with the youth about his personal journey and the strength it took to persevere despite the negative commentary by others regarding his potential in professional baseball.
These community discussions with the youth continued when he joined the New York Mets in 2019 and resulted in the founding of his charitable foundation, Height Doesn’t Measure Heart (HDMH). At 5 feet 7 inches tall, Marcus was told continuously while growing up that he was too short to accomplish his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. Despite hearing this at every level, he chose to silence the doubters and persevere to prove them wrong, and became an established and successful player in Major League Baseball. Through the HDMH Foundation, Marcus shares his story of commitment, hard work and perseverance to inspire the next generation of baseball athletes and young people facing adversity. To celebrate the founding of his foundation in 2019, Marcus invited teens from Harlem’s Dream Charter School for a VIP game-day experience.
In 2020, Marcus donated 300,000 meals to the New York City Food Bank and Long Island Cares to provide food relief to New York residents. During the pandemic, Marcus supported a local youth baseball team in Tampa, Florida, by leading a practice and providing pitching tips to the athletes. This personal interaction was appreciated by the youth and coaches who were experiencing feelings of isolation and depression during this challenging period.
Since joining the Chicago Cubs in 2021, Marcus has supported and executed more than 12 community events, including hosting school groups and military veterans at Wrigley Field, donating and discussing his inspirational book, “The Grip,” with hundreds of youth at local schools and community centers, and providing financial support to LGBTQ+ non-profits during Pride Month. In addition, Marcus has partnered with local businesses to provide food, unique experiences and transportation for community groups to participate in various activations throughout the season.
Marcus’ passion for the game, deep commitment to youth and communities facing hardship and continued philanthropic support of the nonprofit sector exemplify his leadership and character and inspire those around him to do the same.