**A Pillar of the Community: Jace Rinehart Named 2025 Winner of the Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy**
In a heartwarming recognition that goes far beyond the diamond, Jace Rinehart—a rising star in college baseball and an outspoken advocate for community engagement—has been named the 2025 recipient of the Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy.
The award, named after the late San Diego Padres legend Tony Gwynn, is presented annually to a college baseball player who exemplifies excellence not only in the game but in service to others. Rinehart, an outfielder for the Oregon State Beavers, earned the prestigious honor after years of dedicated work uplifting underserved communities across Oregon and beyond.
“It’s about more than baseball,” Rinehart said during a ceremony held Friday at the College Baseball Foundation headquarters in Lubbock, Texas. “Tony Gwynn wasn’t just a great hitter—he was a great human being. To even have my name mentioned in the same sentence as his is something I’ll carry forever.”
What separates Rinehart from others isn’t just his bat—though he hit .347 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs this past season—it’s his relentless commitment to giving back.
He launched “Cleats for Kids,” a nonprofit that collects and distributes used sports equipment to underprivileged youth across the Pacific Northwest. What began as a small locker cleanout project quickly grew into a statewide initiative, supported by fellow student-athletes and sponsored by local businesses. In just two years, the program has supplied over 4,000 pairs of cleats, gloves, bats, and jerseys to youth leagues in need.
“He’s the kind of person that inspires an entire locker room,” said Oregon State head coach Mitch Canham. “Jace doesn’t just lead in hits and hustle—he leads in heart. The way he connects with people, especially kids, is something truly rare.”
Rinehart’s outreach doesn’t stop with gear. He regularly visits children’s hospitals, reads to elementary school students, and helped organize a mental health awareness walk on campus that drew over 2,000 participants. In an age where athletes often struggle to balance their platforms with personal priorities, Rinehart has leaned fully into both roles.
The Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy committee, made up of former players, journalists, and civic leaders, described Rinehart as “the living embodiment of Gwynn’s spirit.” Committee chairperson Carla Ramirez added, “Jace’s selflessness and dedication are what this award was created for. He’s not just a future pro—he’s a future leader, wherever he goes.”
Though eligible for the upcoming MLB Draft and projected as a second-round pick, Rinehart has made it clear that his impact won’t be limited to stats and scoreboards.
“I love this game with all my heart,” he said. “But I also believe we’re given these platforms for a reason. It’s not just about how far you can hit—it’s about how far your actions can reach.”
As the 2025 winner of the Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy, Jace Rinehart has proven that greatness isn’t only measured by on-field performance—but by the difference you make off it.
