MLB's Goldschmidt an All-Star in the community, too
MLB's Goldschmidt an All-Star in the community, too
by Tom Kertscher
Paul Goldschmidt, who has played more games in Major League Baseball than any other Bobcat, knew when he first stepped onto the Texas State University campus 12 years ago that it was the right choice for him.
Another right choice was joining the Arizona Diamondbacks and making his home in Phoenix. It’s no secret that the people of Phoenix have embraced “Goldy” and his wife. Goldschmidt met the former Amy Glazier in study hall while they were both freshmen at Texas State. A former member of the women’s golf team, Amy Goldschmidt graduated with a business degree in 2010. Paul Goldschmidt completed his bachelor of science in management in 2013 from the University of Phoenix.
“The maturation process you go through as an 18- to 22-year-old kid — we went through that together, so all those memories and just growing up together, it’s pretty special,” Goldschmidt says. The couple, who have a young son, Jake, have made helping Children’s Hospital in Phoenix a regular part of their lives. Their charity that benefits the hospital is called Goldy’s Fund 4 Kids.
“You’re given this amazing platform being on TV every day and we walk into a room for two minutes and make someone’s day — and they will talk about it for a week or month, so it’s pretty awesome and we try to take advantage of that,” he says.
“We just wanted to get involved with something in Phoenix. I thought, what better place to help kids and families who are going through an extremely tough time.”
The first baseman is quick to credit Amy for her hard work that enables their generous giving. The pair recently helped raise money to help build a new cancer center. A native of Delaware, Goldschmidt grew up in The Woodlands, just outside of Houston. He recalls being struck by the university’s surroundings on his first visit to Texas State. “I just remember leaving after my visit and thinking, man, that really felt right, I really want to go there.”
As a Texas State player from 2007 to 2009, Goldschmidt became the school’s career leader in home runs (36) and RBIs (179) — feats that made him the first Bobcat baseball player to have his jersey retired. With the Arizona Diamondbacks, he is a five-time National League All-Star (2013-2017). In 2013, he won the National League Hank Aaron Award, which honors the best hitter in the league.
On April 4, 2017, the suburb of Goodyear, Arizona, dedicated Paul Goldschmidt Field on what was once a rundown field. The youth baseball field was a joint effort of Arizona Public Service (APS), the Diamondbacks Foundation, private contractors, and Goldschmidt himself. Paul Goldschmidt Field is the 39th field since 2000 in the “Diamonds Back” Youth Field Building Program, presented by APS.
“It’s extra special because it’s got Paul’s name on it,” D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall told MLB.com. “Somebody who has made such an impact not only on but off the field. I couldn’t be more proud.” ✪