Curtis Granderson Bio
Curtis Granderson, aka “Grandyman” is a
former MLB outfielder and philanthropic
leader for several non-profit organizations
– the Grand Kids Foundation, Grand Giving
and Chicago Baseball & Educational
Academy. While the three-time MLB
All-Star and Roberto Clemente Award
winner played in many cities throughout
his career, he was born and raised in
Chicago and it’s the city he calls home. His
passion for fostering deeper community
connections in Chicago, while working
to diversify the sport, is paving the way
for more young kids to learn and grow
through baseball.
In 2007, Curtis established the Grand Kids
Foundation, which aids in positive youth
development through education, physical
fitness and nutrition initiatives. In 2013,
the organization launched an annual
food insecurity campaign and fundraiser,
GRAND GIVING (grandgiving.org), which
has helped supply over 40 million meals
to families in need through partnerships with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food
Bank.
In 2014, the University of Illinois at Chicago alum donated $5 million to UIC for enhancements to the athletic
training facilities and baseball field, where the stadium was re-named Curtis Granderson Stadium. His
dedication to providing thousands of inner-city kids the opportunity to play ball on a college campus is now
made possible through the Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy (cbeauic.org) - a Grand Kids Foundation
partner.
In 2020, after a 16-year career, Curtis retired from the game, but remains connected to the sport currently
serving as a color commentator for TBS Baseball and as the President of The Players Alliance, a non-profit
comprised of 150 current and former MLB players united to create increased opportunities, inclusion and
diversity in the sport of professional baseball.
To learn more about Curtis Granderson and his philanthropic efforts, visit CurtisGrandersonFoundation.org
(launching April 2024).