ST. LOUIS — In a move that melted hearts and lit up social media, Cardinals’ All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has stepped far beyond the ballpark — pledging to take action for one of the most overlooked members of American communities: stray dogs.
Goldschmidt, a longtime animal lover, made a surprise announcement this week that he would be personally funding rescue, care, and rehoming efforts for stray dogs across the country — a mission sparked after he encountered a wounded pup near the Cardinals’ spring training facility.
“He looked at me like he had no one left,” Goldschmidt said. “And that broke me.”
Goldschmidt didn’t hold a press conference. He didn’t need headlines. He quietly partnered with multiple animal welfare organizations, committing both financial support and personal involvement.
His initiative — called “Home Plate for Strays” — aims to fund vet care, spay/neuter programs, foster support, and adoption drives in cities where MLB games are played. Fans have already begun using the hashtag #GoldyForGood to share stories and support.
Known for his leadership and humility, Goldschmidt’s off-field effort has stunned fans and teammates alike. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol called the move “vintage Goldy — no spotlight, just doing what’s right.”
Goldschmidt himself remains modest:
“I don’t need to be their hero. I just want them to know they’re not forgotten.”
Within hours of the announcement, donations to Goldschmidt’s partner shelters skyrocketed. One St. Louis shelter said, “We’ve never seen a response like this. It’s not just money — it’s awareness. Paul gave these animals a voice.”
On the field, Paul Goldschmidt plays with quiet intensity and consistency. Off the field, he’s proving that the biggest hearts don’t always beat loudest — sometimes, they simply act when it matters most.
And for thousands of stray dogs across the U.S., Goldy just hit the biggest home run of his career.