The third annual Players Trust Playmakers Classic, presented by Fanatics, is set to return to Arizona on February 18, 2025, at Warehouse215 in Phoenix.
Hosted by the Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association established in 1996, the event will bring together current and former MLB players and celebrities for an evening of entertainment and friendly game competitions and include a headline musical guest, casino games, a golf simulator, food, wine and spirit tastings, a custom trading card booth, a silent auction, and more. Tickets are now on sale at the Players Trust website.
MLB players and legends set to attend include Corbin Carroll, Marcus Semien, Mike King, Dane Dunning, Brent Suter, Zach Neto, Kyle Higashioka, Will Benson, Bryce Jarvis, LaMonte Wade, Jr., Josh Jung, Logan O’Hoppe, Bobby Bonilla, Tony Clark and dozens more.
Proceeds from the festivities will go toward baseball-inspired youth development programs across the country and abroad and other charitable initiatives created in partnership with Major League Players. Through the Players Trust, players have supported a wide range of programs, granting tens of millions of dollars in monetary and in-kind support to positively impact the lives of fans and youth organizations.
Additionally, the event will recognize the $1M in new commitments to the youth development organizations selected by the Players Trust, including Learn Fresh, Project Béisbol, Metro Sports Fieldhouse, Athletics & Beyond, Baseball Island Foundation, and Project Baseball Arizona.
Fanatics, a global digital sports platform and long-standing MLBPA partner, will again serve as the event’s presenting sponsor. In addition to the title sponsorship, Fanatics will integrate a handful of activations, including a live on-stage presentation of its “Breaking the Pack” show, allowing fans and collectors to witness the excitement of unboxing sports trading cards and memorabilia.
Additional event sponsors and supporters include Winston & Strawn LLP, FINN Partners, Language Testing International, Weil, Gotshall & Manges LLP, Cedar Room Fine Cigars & Lounge, CSG Forte, MJ Corporate Sales, BDA, TruMedia, Poker Now, AthLife, The Brattle Group, Spark Catch, and Overfly Sports.
“We’re excited to celebrate our third Playmakers Classic again in Arizona and recognize the success our partners, players, community leaders and philanthropists have achieved,” Players Trust Director Amy Hever said. “This event powers much of the work that we do and will continue to do across the communities where players and fans live, play, and call home.”
“Fanatics is honored to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Players Trust Playmakers Classic for the third consecutive year,” said Grace Farraj, Vice President of Fanatics Philanthropy & Community Engagement. “Our ongoing partnership underscores our dedication to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience while promoting sports, inclusion, and community development amongst our global fan base.”
During the event, the Players Trust will also honor the Philadelphia Phillies Rhys Hoskins as the 2024 Philanthropist of the Year recipient with a formal award presentation. The award is a culmination of the organization’s year-long recognition program highlighting players who demonstrate a continued commitment to creating an altruistic spirit and positive social impact that extends away from the playing field. The Philanthropist of the Year will be honored with a $25,000 donation to a charity of his choice.
Established in 1996, the Players Trust is the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association that provides programs and resources championing individual and collective passions toward a common goal: Making a positive impact on the world and inspiring others to do the same. For more information, visit playerstrust.org. To learn more about the Playmakers Classic, visit trust.mlbplayers.com/playmakers.
