Major League Baseball

Team:       San Francisco Giants
Position:   Pitcher

Recent Plays

Volunteer, San Francisco Veterans Hospital

Sponsor, Junior Giants Baseball Field

Recipient, Disabled American Veterans Award

Playing For:

Strikeouts for Troops

How He's in the Game

Barry Zito has been able to leverage his platform as a professional athlete to improve the lives of others. He founded Strikeouts for Troops in 2005 – a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing the comforts of home to war-wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghsnistan. Since its inception, the organization has raised nearly $2 million dollars through its events and partnerships with athletes and corporations. Each spring, Zito hosts a spirit and morale building trip for wounded Marines to experience a weekend away from the hospital and enjoy baseball. He funds their travel expenses, donates game tickets, and organizes a special tribute dinner. He also takes the time to visit troops in various military hospitals across the country.

About Barry Zito

After 7 seasons with the Oakland A's, Zito moved across the Bay to AT&T Park, joining the San Francisco Giants. When he signed his contract in 2007, it was the largest for any player in the league. In his 11 season MLB career, Zito has made 3 All-Star appearances and in 2002, he won the American League Cy Young Award. Zito, a Las Vegas native, is known for having one of the best curveballs in the Major Leagues.