Kyle Freeland consistently puts his time, energy and resources back into his community, whether he is supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities, mentoring local youth or funding new opportunities for future student-athletes. He treats his professional athletic platform as a regular tool to help others, with an impact that stretches far beyond the ballpark's walls.
Kyle’s involvement with Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) began during his time with the Rockies’ Minor League affiliate in Grand Junction, Colorado, when his host mother introduced him to the organization. Since then, SOCO has remained a consistent part of his community focus. Kyle and his wife, Ashley, regularly show up to cheer at regional competitions and have raised critical funding through custom and memorabilia auctions. Kyle brought in funds through online campaigns featuring game-worn spikes, autographed equipment and a custom-designed glove created specifically to benefit Special Olympics, with all proceeds funneled directly back into year-round sports training and competition for local athletes. Kyle even braves the winter weather alongside the athletes for the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser, showing up as a hands-on teammate for the organization. By jumping in, he gets to connect directly with Special Olympics Colorado athletes and their families while backing the cause statewide.
Earlier this season, Kyle and Ashley joined fellow Major League players for a visit to GiGi's Playhouse Denver, where they spent time with children with Down syndrome and their families. They participated directly in therapeutic programming alongside the kids, joining games designed to build confidence and motor skills. The visit reflected another opportunity for Kyle to spend time with children and families in our community.
Kyle actively dedicates his time away from the field to young baseball players through Colorado Rockies youth clinics and team-hosted events. His support extends to the Rockies' Fantasy Camp for Kids, where athletes from Special Olympics Colorado learn and play alongside other children. As one of the Club’s veteran players, he understands the value of coaching kids who are still learning the game. During clinics, Kyle works one-on-one with the young pitchers, demonstrating grips, talking through mechanics, answering questions and celebrating well-thrown strikes. He stays engaged with the children by offering tailored instruction and encouragement that makes the experience something they will never forget.
Kyle and Ashley committed to a major investment in their alma mater, the University of Evansville. The couple pledged $3 million to help fund a brand-new baseball clubhouse, marking the largest athletic donation in school history. This project connects back to Kyle's roots as a former Purple Aces pitcher before he reached the big leagues. While he developed his skills without these modern luxuries, this state-of-the-art building now provides future players with the upgraded locker rooms, training resources and coaching spaces needed to compete at the highest level. This massive facility upgrade elevates the program's footprint in college baseball, serving as Kyle's way of building up the program that helped launch his own career.
Whether Kyle Freeland is connecting with Special Olympics Colorado athletes, coaching young ballplayers or funding opportunities for future student-athletes, his work shows exactly what it means to be a teammate in the community.
