2025 Nominee

Background of Service

Throughout his career, San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (Yaz) has been a strong advocate and supporter for our military, veterans, and mental health awareness.

​

In 2022 Yaz started the Mustache May campaign as a way to lighten the mood for himself and his teammates while going through a rough patch on the field. Mustache May recognizes the mental struggles associated with the baseball profession and brings awareness to the resources available to players and fans alike. With a personal connection to the military and veterans, and knowing the increased need in mental health services for these groups, Yaz’s goal for Mustache May is to promote and prioritize mental health in active duty, veteran and civilian communities and create a world where mental health is discussed openly and freely.

​

Proceeds from Yastrzemski’s Mustache May merchandise supports the Heart and Armor Foundation, which aims to protect the health of veterans and to connect civilians to the experience of military service, specifically with their research and programs around mental wellness.

​

Yaz routinely hosts veterans and their families from Heart & Armor and other veteran organizations at the ballpark, building personal relationships during meet-and-greets and dynamic conversations around mental health. Early in the 2025 season, Yaz hosted 102 year old WW2 veteran and Tik Tok influencer “Papa Jake” Larson, who threw out the First Pitch at Oracle Park.

​

During Mustache May, Yaz and the Giants hosted a military care package assembly event, putting together 300 care packages to send to troops overseas.

​

May is only one month, but Yastrzemski’s efforts never end, as he continues to be a leader on and off the field, continues to recognize the struggles that many people (including professional baseball players) go through, and constantly reminds everyone “It’s important to check in and care for your homies!”