Mets star Francisco Lindor earns Philanthropist of the Year Award

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has established himself as one of the best shortstops in baseball, has been recognized for his philanthropy. He has earned one of the Players Association’s most prestigious awards.

Lindor, who donated $1 million to Montverde Academy in 2021, has been named the MLB Players Trust’s 2023 Philanthropist of the Year Award. He will be honored Tuesday night at the 2^nd annual Playmakers Classic presented by Fanatics in Las Vegas. 

The Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund will receive a $25,000 donation from the Players Trust. Lindor, 30, established his scholarship fund in 2020 as a member of the Cleveland Indians.

Francisco Lindor appreciates Montverde Academy

The four-time All-Star enrolled at Montverde Academy as a 12-year-old after moving from Puerto Rico. Six years later, he was picked eighth overall in the 2011 June draft by Cleveland. 

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Lindor donated $1 million for a capital campaign to build Lindor Hall, which serves 203 middle school students at Montverde. The prep school serves Pre-K through 12th grade students.

“It’s going to start here. But it’s not going to end here,” Lindor said in 2021. “We want this to spread around the nation, around the world. It’s not just impacting the people in my community, everybody around us in need.”

Lindor arrived at Montverde with no command of the English language. The native of Caguas, P.R., is now considered one of the most respected players in baseball. Lindor, nicknamed Mr. Smile, is also a major pitchman in New York.

Supporting quality education

He has credited Montverde with helping him develop into a star and leader.

“Access to a quality education has played a huge role in my success in life. And I believe all children should enjoy the same opportunities I was fortunate enough to receive,” Lindor said. “It is a great privilege to be able to give back to my community and make a positive impact for future generations.

“I hope I can serve as an inspiration for others to continue helping those in need.”  

A panel of former players selected Lindor as the Philanthropist of the Year. The Players Trust, which is an arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, also honored three players with Most Valuable Philanthropist Awards this year. 

Liam Hendriks, Pete Alonso, and Kyle Gibson received Most Valuable Philanthropist Awards.

“Francisco has a passion and lifelong commitment to helping others,” Players Trust Director Amy Hever said. “He is perpetuating a living legacy of professional baseball players giving back to the causes they care about as a philanthropist and as a leader of the Players Trust.’’