When Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury on May 2, he turned his focus to a long-held passion project: the Triston Casas Foundation, set to launch on June 3, coinciding with Red Sox Disability Pride Day at Fenway Park.
“I’ve wanted to start something for years,” Casas shared with the Herald. “I waited until I reached the majors and built a platform, even if my career hasn’t gone as planned performance-wise. I want to use whatever influence I have to make a difference.”
The foundation aims to “break barriers, foster authentic relationships, and empower people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities to thrive.” It will raise funds for the Special Olympics, particularly in Casas’ home region of South Florida, and partner with Best Buddies.
“I want to channel my energy into something positive,” Casas said. “I’m excited to collaborate and create meaningful events.”
Philanthropy is a core value of the Red Sox, and Casas’ involvement with Best Buddies and the Special Olympics during high school shaped his focus. “Those experiences were eye-opening and uplifting,” he said. While he considered various causes, he chose to start with these organizations but may expand the foundation’s mission later.
Casas is committed to personal engagement, highlighted by the foundation’s “Best Buddies Ballpark Tour – Inclusion in Action,” offering a unique gameday experience for Best Buddies participants. “Helping individuals lets you connect on a personal level,” he said. “I asked Best Buddies and Special Olympics what they needed, and the answer was more events for people of all ages.”
The tour covers 10 games, mostly at Fenway Park, with stops at Yankee Stadium and Tampa Bay. Originally, Casas planned to include more ballparks, but his injury forced a shift. Still on crutches for another month, he’s considering asking teammates and friends across the league to host events on his behalf.
This recovery is the longest Casas has faced, but he remains optimistic. “When I got hurt, I promised myself I wouldn’t feel sorry for myself,” he said. “I’m attacking therapy daily, making great progress, and the pain is manageable. My teammates and rehab group—Alex Bregman, Patrick Sandoval, Richard Fitts, Romy Gonzalez, and Masataka Yoshida—have been incredibly supportive. I’m aiming to be ready for Opening Day next year.”
The foundation has given Casas a sense of purpose. “It’s something I can pour myself into and feel good about,” he said. “Baseball is consuming, but this offers perspective. It’s good for my mental health and my family, and I hope my supporters will buy in, too.”
After missing most of last season and now this one, Casas knows a career in sports is fleeting. His foundation, however, is built to last. “Hitting home runs and signing autographs is great, but that will end one day,” he said. “Helping people is my ultimate purpose, and this is what I’ll feel best about when my career is over.”
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