Red Sox Player Programs
Red Sox players and coaches support team community outreach through efforts such as community appearances, hospital visits, welcoming diverse pregame groups for batting practice at Fenway Park, and charitable campaigns throughout the season led by player families, just to name a few.
IBEW hosts local youth groups to attend five games throughout the season. The kids receive T-shirts and goody bags from IBEW and the Red Sox, watch batting practice from the warning track, and meet with Red Sox players before the game.
The Christmas in July campaign is an annual fundraiser to support Boston Children's Hospital. Players and their families participate by purchasing meaningful items for patients and fill urgent needs for patient families and the hospital while fans are encouraged to donate funds that the hospital can use to purchase other necessary items for patients.
The 2023 campaign was led by Nick Pivetta, Reese McGuire, Chris Martin, Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner, and their wives.
Building on his longstanding commitment to serving those most in need, Liam Hendriks continues his community work as a member of the Red Sox with his Hendriks' Heroes program. His work has empowered and supported selfless individuals and organizations, and given a voice to underrepresented communities. Following Liam's recent personal cancer journey, he has sought out those going through similar experiences to invite them to both home and away Red Sox games, including pregame visits with them to provide hope and inspiration.
Every year, Red Sox players and staff bring the warmth and cheer of the holiday season to patients at Boston-area hospitals and community organizations. Players spend two full days volunteering, meeting with patients, and learning more about local nonprofits.
Every month throughout the season, Nick Pivetta visits patients and their families at Boston Children's Hospital to spend time with the children and boost morale. Additionally, Nick invites patients and their families to multiple games throughout the season to attend batting practice, meet Nick, and enjoy a Red Sox game.
Inspired by his adopted sister, Tanner Houck built his Pitch for Adoption campaign to raise adoption advocacy and awareness. In 2023, Tanner officially partnered with the Home for Little Wanderers which is the oldest U.S. child welfare agency. As part of this partnership, Tanner visits group homes and welcomes children and staff to Fenway Park each month for a home game, to watch batting practice from the field, meet his teammates, and take a pregame tour of the ballpark.
Tanner Houck was the 2023 Red Sox Roberto Clemente Award nominee in recognition of his passion for charities supporting adoption and his support of numerous Red Sox community efforts.
In support of the Red Sox Foundation, players annually captain the Jimmy Fund, Home Base, RBI, and Scholars programs. As captains, players regularly participate in community visits and pregame meet-and-greets throughout the year with program participants.
2024 Player Captains:
- Garrett Whitlock: The Jimmy Fund
- Garrett was the 2023 Red Sox nominee for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award
- Kenley Jansen: RBI
- Rafael Devers: MassMutual Learning Lab
The Red Sox Novatos ticket program welcomes inner-city Latino youth to Fenway Park for the opportunity to attend a game, as well as watch batting practice and meet with Spanish-speaking and Latino players.