Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock returns as Jimmy Fund Captain for 2026

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund announced today that Boston Red Sox pitcher, Garrett Whitlock, will once again serve as the Jimmy Fund Captain for 2026. For the fourth consecutive season, Whitlock will be an ambassador to support Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund’s fundraising efforts for cancer care and research. The Red Sox have partnered with the Jimmy Fund since 1953, the longest and most unique partnership in sports. The Jimmy Fund is also a core health partner of the Red Sox Foundation. Together, the Red Sox and Red Sox Foundation have collectively helped to raise over $190 million through this partnership. Whitlock will continue this tradition, and in this role, attend fundraising events, visit patients, build support, and raise funds for Dana-Farber.

“My wife Jordan and I are honored to continue to help raise awareness for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund as we work to lessen the burden of cancer for patients and their families,” said Whitlock. “The Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund have a historic partnership, and I look forward to playing a small role in making a big impact on supporting this incredible lifesaving mission.”  

Whitlock joined the Boston Red Sox in 2020 and made his debut with the team in April 2021 against the Baltimore Orioles. The Whitlock family has attended several Jimmy Fund events around Boston and visited patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Past Jimmy Fund Captains also include Brock Holt, Nathan Eovaldi, Mitch Moreland, Pablo Sandoval, Will Middlebrooks, David Ross, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Daniel Bard, Clay Buchholz, and the late Tim Wakefield.  

“On behalf of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute staff, patients and their families, we are thrilled to welcome back Garrett Whitlock as our Jimmy Fund Captain,” said Brock Holt, Jimmy Fund co-chair, and former Red Sox player. “As a former Jimmy Fund Captain, I know how rewarding the role is. Garrett and Jordan’s support of the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber continues a longstanding tradition of Red Sox players who have served as Jimmy Fund ambassadors in the Greater Boston community.”    

Grassroots community fundraising is the heart and soul of the Jimmy Fund—thousands of people organize events such as bake sales, lemonade stands, runs, walks, golf tournaments, dances, auctions, softball games, and more, bringing their communities together to help Dana-Farber save lives.  

Some upcoming Jimmy Fund fundraisers benefitting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute include:

The Red Sox Foundation/Jimmy Fund License Plate (ongoing) - The Red Sox Foundation partners with and shares proceeds of its Massachusetts license plate program with the Jimmy Fund to help support patients and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  

Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl® Presented by SharkNinja (June 2-4) – The nation’s largest ice cream festival will take place at a new location at 88 Seaport Blvd in the Boston Seaport. Sample delicious ice cream and frozen treats while enjoying live entertainment, games, and supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s lifesaving mission.

Jimmy Fund Day at Fenway (June 6) - Red Sox fans have the special opportunity to play ball at Fenway Park or make a gift to sponsor Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s patients for an unforgettable experience.  

WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon Presented by Arbella Insurance (August 17-18) - Tune in to WEEI 93.7 FM and New England Sports Network (NESN) two-day broadcast to hear stories of courage and hope from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute patients, doctors, nurses, supporters, and celebrity friends. 

The Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber Presented by Hyundai (October 4) - Sign up to walk a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon along the historic Boston Marathon® course to support cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  

Please visit JimmyFund.org for more information or to get involved.