NOT ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT CATCH—A CHANCE TO CHASE DREAMS BEYOND FAME
WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO—He was the Gold Glove standard, the defensive genius who became an immortal symbol of the Atlanta Braves. But today, Andruw Jones is creating a different kind of miracle. During an emotional ceremony on his home island of Curaçao, Jones unveiled his first major Caribbean-wide charity project, aimed at empowering thousands of young athletes to chase their baseball dreams, ensuring the legacy of the game transcends fame and money.
The initiative, rumored to be called the “10 & 25 Legacy Fund” (in reference to his ten Gold Gloves and retired jersey number 25), is designed to tackle the systemic issues that prevent promising young talent across the islands from reaching their potential.
THE LEGACY: HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY ACROSS ISLANDS
Jones, who famously burst onto the scene in the 1996 World Series as a 19-year-old, has always carried the weight of being the blueprint for the next generation of Caribbean stars (like Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen, and Jurickson Profar). This project moves beyond his successful, long-running local youth tournament and establishes permanent infrastructure.
Building Better Fields: The foundation’s first major commitment is the funding and renovation of six baseball facilities across three separate islands (starting with Curaçao and expansion into the Dominican Republic and Aruba). These facilities will offer year-round, professional-grade training access, regardless of a child’s economic background.
The Educational Pivot: Unlike traditional baseball academies, the program includes a mandatory academic component, offering tutoring and scholarships. Jones emphasized that the ultimate goal is not just to produce Major Leaguers, but to ensure every participant leaves with a high school diploma and a viable path beyond baseball.
The Mentorship Circle: The foundation will rely heavily on a network of former and current MLB players from the Caribbean, creating a mentorship circle that provides hope and guidance across islands—a powerful, personal connection that money can’t buy.
“THEIR TRUE HALL OF FAME”
Addressing the crowd, Jones kept his remarks focused not on his career, but on the kids.
“When I was young, the dream was everything, but the path was difficult,” Jones said, his voice ringing with pride. “Baseball gave me fame. But giving these kids a chance to change their lives, to know that home has the hope, the infrastructure, and the people to support them—that is the biggest championship I will ever win.”
The announcement resonates deeply, confirming that for one of baseball’s greatest defensive minds, the biggest save of his life is happening off the field, ensuring the Caribbean’s baseball soul is preserved for generations to come.
