Walker Buehler raises $100,000 at second annual charity golf tournament
by Rowan Kavner
Walker Buehler’s second annual charity golf tournament Monday afternoon in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, made a significant impact on a teammate whose story resonated with Buehler.
The proceeds of Buehler’s tournament and silent auction benefited Rich Hill’s “Field of Genes” campaign, which is raising money to support Massachussetts General Hospital’s research into rare genetic diseases like the one that took the life of Hill’s second son, Brooks, five years ago.
Buehler’s tournament raised $100,000, reaching his goal and doubling the proceeds of the event a year ago.
“We were tremendously humbled and honored for Walker to represent us in his golf tournament this year,” said Hill, who attended the tournament at Lexington Country Club with his wife, Caitlin, and his son, Brice. “When he told me during the season, I was taken aback. He knows how much it means to my wife, myself and our son, Brice. It’s just something we’re really grateful for.”
The gesture was a symbol of appreciation from a young pitcher to a veteran who embraced him from the moment he arrived in the big leagues. After learning what Hill went through, and how Hill was searching for ways and funds to help other families looking for answers, Buehler wanted to provide assistance.
It was a cause that Dodger players got behind throughout the year, showing their support for Hill through a number of donations. Buehler’s effort went above and beyond.
“Rich’s story just touched him in a way that warmed me as a mom,” said Karen Walker, Buehler’s mother. “It so impacted Walker. It’s not just the friendship, but it’s the empathy of what Rich and his family went through, and that Walker was so affected by that made me feel like he had really grown into the man I always hoped and knew he would.”
In total, 21 teams checked into Buehler’s tournament, which included appearances from Dodger teammates Will Smith and Josh Sborz. The team support meant a great deal to Buehler, who was also thrilled to see the potential inclement weather in the forecast that day didn’t arrive until after the tournament ended on what turned out to be a clear morning and early afternoon in Lexington.
“Obviously we’re doing this for Rich, and for those guys to come and support him is pretty cool,” Buehler said.
Buehler’s $100,000 raised helped the Hills inch closer to their goal of raising $1 million this year for Field of Genes. Hill found out in August that Buehler planned to use the proceeds to help his cause.
“He’s an unbelievable guy, and this speaks more to how much he’s going to have an impact to things outside of the game moving forward,” Hill said.
In each of the two years of his tournament, Buehler has directed the proceeds to a campaign meaningful to family and friends. Last year, Buehler used his first annual charity tournament to raise money for Kids Cancer Alliance, a cause close to Buehler’s family after his uncle passed away years after battling pediatric cancer.
As much as Buehler has accomplished on the field since his debut in 2017, it’s his contributions off it that stand out most to his parents.
“I’m just so proud, as a person,” said Tony Buehler, Walker’s father. “Everything he does on the baseball field, all that stuff obviously you’re proud of. But what gives you the most joy and pleasure as a dad is watching your kid do great things for the community and give back.”
