Kentucky’s Evan Byers Named Finalist for Inaugural Tony Gwynn Trophy
Kentucky senior Evan Byers has been named one of nine finalists for the inaugural Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy, honoring NCAA baseball student-athletes who exemplify the Gwynn legacy, it was announced Wednesday.
Byers is a member of the award’s “Starting Nine”. The Gwynn Trophy, conceptualized for the 2025 season, is intended to honor collegiate baseball student-athletes who are active in their community and represent their programs with integrity, while exceling in the classroom and on the field. The Gwynn Trophy winner will be selected from this group of nine finalists, in a vote by NCBWA board members, select college baseball coaches and national media members.
Byers has been an exemplary member of Kentucky’s program and continues to model Coach Nick Mingione’s “Student, Person, Player” foundational value. He has shined in the classroom, in the community and on the field and will likely finish his career in the school’s top 10 for career appearances.
Years in the making, the Gwynn Trophy was created before the 2025 season.
“We are honored to continue Tony’s legacy of service through the naming of this award in his honor,” his wife, Alicia Gwynn, said when the Gwynn Trophy was announced in the preseason. “Throughout his life, Tony was a man that exuded selflessness and that showed through his commitment to supporting the communities around him. His consistent quest for service and his unyielding love for college baseball make this award a great fit in honoring his legacy. We are excited to shine a spotlight on the young men who represent their schools with such grace and are committed to serving their communities.”
Gwynn was nationally recognized throughout his life for his unyielding commitment to philanthropy. He and Alicia, established the Tony Gwynn Foundation to help fund charities supporting children in need, including supporting the Casa de Amparo Child Abuse Shelter, the Neighborhood House, YMCA and the Police Athletic League. In 1995, Gwynn earned the Branch Rickey Award as the top community activist in MLB, and in 1999, he was named the Roberto Clemente Man of the Year. He was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame and won the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, presented to the MLB player who best exemplified the character and leadership of the Hall of Fame first baseman.
The Gwynn family has maintained Tony’s commitment to the community, including coordinating the Tony Gwynn Community All-Star Program, which recognizes local youth who support the San Diego community.
Evan Byers, Gr., LHP, Kentucky
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: A four-year weapon in the bullpen for Kentucky who helped lead the Wildcats to the 2024 Southeastern Conference Championship and the first College World Series berth in school history … Has appeared in 70 games in his career with a 4.40 ERA and a 6-2 record … Had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2023, appearing in 24 games with a 1.65 ERA, before going for a 3-1 record and a 4.72 ERA in 22 games during the historic 2024 season in Lexington … Has appeared in 22 games in relief as a senior … Owns a sparkling 4.0 cumulative GPA as a current graduate student in sports fitness and recreation management … Won the 2024 NCAA Elite 90 Award, given to the top academic performer at the CWS … A seven-time Dean’s List honoree at UK and a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection … Inducted into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character in 2025.
Community Engagement: Byers has been active in the Central Kentucky community throughout his collegiate career … A member of the SEC Community Service Team in 2024 and was a two-year member of the UK Student-Athlete Advisory Committee … Is a member of UK’s Emerging Leaders program … Has volunteered with the Lexington Miracle League, has visited local elementary schools and served as a cook for fundraisers for the Jessamine County Beef Cattleman’s Association … Worked with God’s Pantry, packing Christmas gift bags for the Cincinnati community and works with Sacred Selections, an organization that raises funds for adoption fees of children into Christian homes … Was integral in presenting a wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, has helped UK’s baseball program deliver teddy bears to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital for multiple years … Has worked to set-up events for Amachi Lexington and helped serve food and visited patients at the American Cancer Society.
