New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino isn’t just making waves on the baseball diamond; he’s also making a significant impact off the field. Trevino has been crowned the first-ever “Most Valuable Philanthropist” by the MLBPA Players Trust—a testament to his dedication to giving back to his community.

This prestigious award shines a spotlight on Trevino’s tireless efforts in supporting “Special Hearts in the Arts,” a Corpus Christi, Texas-based non-profit organization founded by his former high school teacher, Ms. Sherri Davis. This organization provides a creative haven for individuals with special needs, offering classes in dance, theater, music, and art.

Reflecting on his high school days, Jose Trevino credits Davis’ teen leadership class for “changing his life.” The lessons he learned from her have shaped him into the compassionate and generous individual he is today. As Trevino told the Associated Press, “She taught me a ton of lessons in high school, life lessons that help to this day.” But Trevino’s involvement with Special Hearts in the Arts goes beyond writing checks.

Jose frequently visits the center, interacting with the students and forging a special bond with them. As Davis fondly puts it, “You’ll never have anyone say anything bad about Jose. I think he just makes people feel worthy of whatever they do. That’s a Jose thing that he does.”

The $5,000 grant that accompanies the “Most Valuable Philanthropist” award will be a game-changer for Special Hearts in the Arts. It will help fund a new program called “The Remarkables,” where students will dress as superheroes and perform at children’s hospitals and nursing homes, spreading joy and inspiration to those in need.

Jose Trevino’s heartfelt legacy goes beyond baseball

The impact of Trevino’s philanthropy is evident in the lives of the students. Victoria Hinojosa, a Special Hearts student, shared, “I don’t know where I would have been if it wasn’t for Special Hearts. It has really made me feel confident in what I do.”

Amy Hever, the director of the Players Trust, emphasizes that this award aims to help players create more impact for causes in their communities. “So, this is a way to not only recognize them, but it also raises tremendous awareness for these causes, especially these hyper-local causes and organizations that some would argue are doing the greatest work in their local communities,” Hever stated.

The news of Jose Trevino’s award comes amidst a shift in his playing time, the latest of which was the news of his absence from today’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been favoring Austin Wells at the catcher position lately. However, Trevino’s philanthropic achievements have solidified his legacy off the field, proving that his value extends far beyond his baseball statistics.

As Trevino continues to inspire those around him, his story serves as a reminder that true “MVPs” are not just those who excel in their sport but also those who use their platform to make a positive impact on the world. His dedication to Special Hearts in the Arts is a testament to his big heart and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. As Hinojosa aptly put it, “It’s amazing what he’s doing for Special Hearts. He has really made us all happy.”

In the words of Trevino himself, echoing the sentiments of his former teacher, “Anybody who’s around Ms. Davis is lucky because she’s just a great person.” It seems that the same could be said of Jose Trevino, a true MVP in every sense of the word.