With support from Major League Baseball (MLB) and its players, the Taylor Hooton Foundation continues its work raising awareness about the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The foundation is recognized for its advocacy against PED use, with an advisory board that includes a representative from each MLB team. Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo are among those serving on the board.
Jon Coyles, MLB’s senior vice president of drug, health and safety programs, commented on MLB’s efforts: “We are really proud of where we are at as a professional sports league on the performance-enhancing drug and drug testing fronts through our dealings and efforts in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Players Association,” Coyles said. “We’ve really put in a ton of time, energy and focus on getting that issue under control in our sport.”
The advisory board was formed in 2014 and is fully endorsed by MLB. Its members participate in the Taylor Hooton Foundation’s 2025 public-service campaign, ALL ME. As part of this initiative, print public service announcements featuring each advisory board member have been created using images provided by Getty Images. These materials will be available to teams for use throughout the season, including at major events such as the All-Star Game, League Championship Series, and World Series.
Donald Hooton Jr., Taylor’s older brother, spoke about player involvement: “It’s super encouraging that not only do you have a player from all 30 teams, but these are guys that have voluntarily stepped forward to be a role model.”
The foundation was established more than two decades ago after Taylor Hooton died by suicide following his use of anabolic steroids at age 17. His family has continued their efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
On Sunday, the Yankees will host the 15th Annual Yankees Give a Hoot Benefit at Yankee Stadium. Another benefit event is scheduled for September 21 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Proceeds from both events will go toward supporting the foundation.
Paul Goldschmidt discussed his motivation for joining the advisory board: “I’ve seen other players do it the last few years. I understand that we are role models and it’s something I don’t take lightly. I try to do the right things,” he said. “To have success in this game or any other avenue we choose, the road is always going to be hard. There is going to be a long, hard road. Trying to take shortcuts doesn’t lead to success. … If you do have success, you want to know in your heart that it came the right way. It came through a lot of hard work.”
Brandon McDaniel, Dodgers’ Major League development integration coach, also expressed support for the foundation’s message: “What a great honor to spread Taylor’s name throughout the baseball community,” McDaniel said. “At the end of the day, to be able to partner with them, to share great advice on strength and conditioning, nutrition, health — and doing it in a safe and effective way — it’s something I’m most proud of.”
Donald Hooton Jr., reflecting on his brother’s legacy and current resources available for young athletes today stated: “If there was another organization like the Taylor Hooton Foundation, information that my brother had access to and players that he looked up to, I believe he would be with us today,” Donald said. “There is a bigger hand at work here. I know Taylor is looking down and saying, ‘Although I’m no longer here, my story and legacy is helping impact others.’ I’m almost positive, but it’s going to save a life whether we know it or not.”
