HOUSTON -- Since signing with the Astros prior to the 2024 season, closer Josh Hader has made a commitment to be involved in the community as much as he can. He and his wife, Maria, have made Houston their full-time home and are passionate about giving back to a community that has embraced their family.
The Haders’ biggest mission has been to help underserved children and young adults through programs such as Hader’s Heart and his support for BEAR (Be A Resource) and Covenant House. For the second year in a row, Hader is the Astros’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award.
Considered baseball's most prestigious individual honor, it annually recognizes the MLB player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions both on and off the field.
“The community here in Houston is unbelievable,” Hader said. “The fan base supports [us] day in and day out, and just getting to know the community as a whole, we’re trying to give back to the community in our efforts and getting to know people and kids. It has an impact on me, just being able to do something so little, but that's so much greater than the game of baseball. I think it's special. It’s a special connection that us players can have with the community, and when you can achieve that, I think it goes way further than the game of baseball.”
The Haders launched the Hader’s Heart program during the 2024 season, creating an opportunity for children in Child Protective Services care and at-risk young adults to experience Astros baseball. Through a monthly partnership with BEAR Houston and Covenant House, the initiative has continued to grow through 2025 and into 2026.
Hader’s Heart participants are treated to a gameday experience that includes watching the game from a suite, access to batting practice on the field and the chance to meet and interact with Hader and some of the players. Hader spends time during batting practice connecting with the children and young adults, playing catch, sharing conversations and talking baseball.
“Honestly, I think there's a greater purpose in the game of baseball for us,” Hader said. “Obviously we have a platform where we can touch many people, but I believe it's our duty to give back. And give back to kids that may not have an opportunity to do some of the things that [others] can do. If we can help one person out of this whole ordeal, that's impactful to one human.
“Now that person goes back, and they impact another person. It's just the domino effect of trying to bring dark situations to light and being able to hopefully change their situation or just change the outlook on what they have when going through day-to-day life.”
In 2025 and 2026, Josh and Maria hosted Uncork for a Cause events, an evening of food, wine and fellowship benefiting BEAR Houston and Covenant House Texas. In April of this year, Josh partnered with a local sporting goods retailer to provide 20 children from BEAR with a memorable shopping experience, giving each child a $200 shopping spree and personally helping them select their items.
Hader’s community work has carried over from his previous stops in San Diego and Milwaukee. In San Diego, Hader hosted fundraisers for and visited the Monarch School Project, a nonprofit public-private school serving unhoused youth and their families in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education. In Milwaukee, he hosted kids in partnership with Camp Hometown Heroes, a weeklong camp for families who have lost service members in active duty.
The winner of the Roberto Clemente Award will be honored at the 2026 World Series. The panel that will choose the winner includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Roberto’s children -- Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente Jr.
The concept of honoring Major Leaguers for their philanthropic work began in 1971 with the creation of the Commissioner’s Award. The recognition was renamed the Roberto Clemente Award in 1973 as a tribute to Clemente following his passing the previous year.