Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith is turning his childhood experiences into an opportunity to help families facing challenges similar to those his mother overcame while raising him.
Smith, 23, launched the Cam Smith Foundation on Monday, November 9, at a Houston boutique. The organization aims to support single mothers and their children through mentorship, community partnerships, meaningful experiences, and direct assistance.
The initiative reflects Smith’s upbringing in Florida, where his mother, Stephanie Hocza, raised him while supporting his ambitions to play professional baseball.
Several Astros teammates attended the launch, including Yordan Álvarez, Carlos Correa, Taylor Trammell, and Brice Matthews. The event featured a charity auction of autographed baseballs, bats, and jerseys, with Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan also contributing memorabilia.
Inspired by His Mother’s Sacrifices
Smith credits his mother with making his baseball career possible, recalling the time and financial sacrifices required to get him to practices and tournaments throughout his childhood.
Weekend travel frequently took them to different cities and states, leaving Hocza with little time for herself. Nevertheless, she made sure her son had opportunities to pursue his goals.
“She found a way to make my dreams come true,” Smith told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart.
Those experiences helped shape the foundation’s mission, which extends beyond youth athletics to address the everyday challenges facing single-parent households.
Smith recognizes that the financial demands of raising children involve far more than sports. Clothing, groceries, transportation, and other necessities can place considerable pressure on families managing on one income.
The foundation plans to provide practical assistance while creating opportunities for mothers and children to connect with mentors and community resources.
A Personal Milestone
Hocza played a memorable role in Smith’s arrival in the major leagues.
During Spring Training in 2025, the Astros invited her into the clubhouse to tell her son he had made Houston’s Opening Day roster. Smith had joined the organization only months earlier in the December 2024 trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs.
The former first-round draft pick subsequently established himself as Houston’s right fielder, earning Gold Glove finalist recognition in each of his first two major-league seasons.
His mother, who works as a data processor at Palm Beach Central High School in Florida, remains a regular presence at his games. The school retired Smith’s No. 13 jersey earlier this year.
Although Hocza could not attend Monday’s foundation launch, Smith said he expects her to participate in a future event. He also acknowledged that discussing the foundation’s purpose with his mother had been emotional for both of them.
Building Support Beyond Baseball
The Cam Smith Foundation intends to work with community partners to provide mentorship, experiences, and direct support for single mothers and their children.
Monday’s auction was intended to help generate initial funding, although the amount raised has not been reported.
Smith’s motivation is closely tied to the sacrifices he witnessed growing up. Having reached the major leagues with his mother’s support, he now hopes to make similar opportunities available to other families.
The foundation gives him a way to use his position in professional baseball to support a community he knows firsthand—and to recognize the person who helped make his own career possible.
