With his father, Joaquin, a U.S. Navy veteran, service has always run in the family, and that legacy has shaped the way Zach Neto has given back to the community and to connect with our U.S. service members. For three consecutive years, he has visited the Naval ships at San Pedro Harbor in Los Angeles to understand how crew members live on board while at sea, during LA Fleet Week. He has also visited other military bases, including a trip in 2024 to the Los Alamitos Joint Training Base, where he met with the servicemen and toured the facility and tried out the Black Hawk Aircrew Trainer flight simulator program. Most recently, he visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to experience what life is like on the International Space Station.
In addition to these visitations, Zach has also supported families of fallen service members through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and took part in honoring them at Angel Stadium’s Memorial Day recognition.
Zach’s support of the United States servicemen and women also earned him a nomination for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award for four consecutive seasons starting in 2023. Named after the Hall of Fame pitcher and World War II Veteran, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award recognizes an active MLB player, Hall of Famer and a United States Navy Chief Petty Officer for the way they demonstrate support for active-duty service members, veterans and youth enrichment.
In addition to this honor, Zach has also supported local education efforts through the Angels Baseball Foundation’s Adopt-A-School program. Zach has visited multiple schools throughout the community to talk to students about the importance of education, perseverance and commitment to academics. He has also participated in baseball clinics, such as Play Ball clinics, hosted by the Angels Baseball Foundation, giving young athletes the chance to learn the fundamentals of the game from a professional who was once in their shoes.
In Miami, his connection to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is very personal. Over the years, he has raised money through a bowling tournament to support the hospital and the children and family who rely on its care. During the offseason, Zach also makes the time to visit patients at the hospital to provide emotional support and lasting memories.
Whether it’s meeting the men and women who serve this country, to teaching kids how to play baseball, or helping pediatric patients fight illnesses in Southern California and in his hometown of Miami, Zach is generous with his time and commitment in assisting others.
For his Roberto Clemente Award nomination, Zach has chosen Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to be the recipient of MLB Charities’ donation.
The Angels will honor Zach and celebrate Roberto Clemente Day during a pregame celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 15, when they play the Seattle Mariners.
