By MATT PIKE

St. Joseph Post

For a third year, the St. Joseph Mustangs and United Way of Greater St. Joseph are partnering to honor some deserving area volunteers in local organizations.

Nominations are open for the 2025 Team Player Award, where every Friday during the Mustangs season home games, one volunteer or group will be recognized out on the field.

United Way President Kylee Strough says winners will be treated to a special night, starting with recognition on the pitcher’s mound of what the volunteer has done.

“Then they get to throw out a first pitch, and most weeks what we see is the organization that nominated them is also showing up in force to celebrate them,” Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They get to stick around and watch the game, so it’s a little bit of a special night where they get treated to a little red carpet.”

Strough says the award is an opportunity to honor volunteers for their work in the community, but also a great way to promote volunteerism

“Our hope with it is that we not only recognize the volunteers, but the people in the stands hear about an organization or a volunteer activity that they might not have even knew existed in our community,” Strough explains. “And they can contact United Way Volunteer Center to make that connection, so it lifts and elevates volunteering in general while recognizing some very special people.”

Strough says she’s seen this as an effective tool for promoting volunteerism, saying even at games she gets stopped to be asked about volunteer opportunities

“I’ve had some spectators stop me on my way out and say like hey I’d like to get connected or where can I find more information,” Strough says. “So, it does spur some action which is great.”

Winners will be recognized during Friday home games at Phil Welch Stadium. The nomination window is open through May 6th.

The Mustangs season opens on May 28th.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.