A proud Denver native, Kyle Freeland has embodied the spirit of giving back since his earliest days in professional baseball. His involvement with Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) began during his time with the Grand Junction Rockies, when his host mother introduced him to the organization. Since then, Kyle and his wife, Ashley, have become devoted champions for the cause, volunteering countless hours and raising critical funds for SOCO athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Kyle’s love for this nonprofit shines through in every season. Whether working one-on-one with athletes at Fantasy Camp for Kids, cheering from the sidelines at regional competitions or taking the plunge (literally), Kyle is always present. In April 2024, Kyle and Ashley participated in their first SOCO Polar Plunge at the Aurora Reservoir, braving icy waters to raise awareness and support. Their presence brought smiles, media attention and heartfelt encouragement to the athletes and families in attendance.

Kyle has channeled his platform to raise funds through innovative memorabilia raffles, offering game-worn spikes, autographed gear and even a custom-designed glove made exclusively for SOCO. Each fundraising campaign is driven by Kyle’s creativity and hands-on engagement, with all money raised going directly to support Special Olympics programming across the state.

This past year, Kyle and Ashley extended their generosity beyond Colorado. In a transformative act of philanthropy, they pledged $3 million to their alma mater, the University of Evansville, to help build a state-of-the-art baseball clubhouse. The new facility, slated for completion in late 2025, will serve generations of aspiring ballplayers with upgraded locker rooms, coaching spaces and player amenities. This historic donation is the largest in Evansville athletics history and reflects Kyle’s belief in the power of sport to change lives.

Kyle continues to serve through his regular participation in Colorado Rockies youth baseball clinics where he inspires kids with a combination of competitive spirit and grounded humility. He often says being from Denver is a badge of honor, and giving back to his hometown is something he will always embrace. Whether he is visiting schools, chatting with families at the field or representing the Rockies at team-hosted charity events, Kyle brings a consistent presence filled with kindness and approachability.

In June, Kyle joined The Players Alliance and the Rockies at the Players Alliance Clinic in Denver, the flagship community skills event designed to bring Major League Baseball players together with local youth. Captured in the video titled “Learning from the Pros” created by Rockies All Access, Kyle is seen working directly with the kids, coaching young pitchers on mechanics, offering tips on grip and delivery, and celebrating progress with genuine enthusiasm. His involvement went beyond instruction, creating meaningful connections with aspiring players through their shared love of the game. Through this event, Kyle helped advance the mission of The Players Alliance: to level the playing field and bring the joy of baseball to underserved communities, making this clinic a highlight of his 2025 community outreach.

Kyle leads with character both on and off the mound. He brings the same grit, heart and discipline to his community work as he does to every start. For the athletes of SOCO, for the students of Evansville and for the countless fans he inspires in Colorado and beyond, Kyle Freeland embodies the spirit of mentorship and service that defines this prestigious award.