The excitement of the MLB All-Star Game this past July 15 may still be lingering, but something even more powerful is happening off the field. Athletes are opening up about what it means to be a dad.
From Christian McCaffrey’s first steps into fatherhood to Bryce Harper’s unforgettable in-game gender reveal, pro athletes are reminding the world that being a dad is the ultimate win. Their candid, joy-filled moments aren’t just personal milestones. They’re cultural reminders of the beauty and importance of life, family, and legacy.
At Save the Storks, we believe in celebrating these stories. Because when men show up with courage, compassion, and commitment, families are strengthened—and generations are changed.
Here are a few of the athletes who have stepped up to the most important plate (or field) of all: fatherhood.
1. Christian McCaffrey: First-Time Father
NFL San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey scored the most meaningful touchdown of his life—becoming a dad. On July 13, Christian and his wife, Olivia Culpo, welcomed their daughter, Colette Annalise McCaffrey.
In a shared Instagram post with Christian, Olivia introduced their baby daughter who was delivered via C-section, with several photos showing Christian by her side and simply amazed by his new baby girl, Colette.
For Save the Storks, that kind of love and presence matters. Because every child deserves a dad who shows up—not just on game day, but every day.
Also read: How You Can Help Men Choose Fatherhood
2. Bryce Harper: A Home Run for Dads
In one of the most joyful moments of the season, Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper revealed the gender of he and his wife, Kayla’s, fourth child—during the game itself. Harper used a blue baseball bat (It’s a boy!) in his first at-bat during a game against the San Francisco Giants. His teammate Trea Turner presented him with the bat, which was one of two custom-made Victus Sports bats (the other was pink).
An MLB legend—Bryce showed the world that fatherhood isn’t a distraction from greatness. It’s part of the legacy.
3. All-Star Dads in the MLB League
We’re also cheering for MLB All-Star athletes who proudly carry the title of “Dad” alongside MVP:
Jarren Duran (Red Sox): After learning he made the All-Star roster, Jarren shared, “I called my dad and we both broke down crying.” Legacy matters—and fatherhood runs deep. Jarren went on to be the MVP of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
Justin Verlander (Giants – former Astros): A seasoned pro and devoted dad, he once said, “Every day we wake up and see her it’s such a blessing,” referring to his daughter with wife Kate Upton.
Brandon Crawford (Giants) – A dad of four, he’s known for making the ballpark a family affair with his kids often joining him on the field.
Dexter Fowler (Cardinals) – A self-proclaimed #GirlDad, he often posts about his daughter’s spunky personality and love for cheering him on.
Todd Frazier (Rangers) – Candid about the difficulty of leaving his family during spring training, showing his deep love and connection to home life.
Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers) – The father of four uses his platform to serve families in need through his nonprofit, Kershaw’s Challenge.
These moments remind us that athletic greatness and family devotion go hand-in-hand. Real champions celebrate their kids as much as their wins.
4. Coach Jim Harbaugh: Fatherhood, Conviction, and Courage
While we celebrate proud dad moments in the world of professional sports, we also honor the leaders who boldly speak out for life—on and off the field. One of those leaders is Jim Harbaugh, now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim is a man of conviction when it comes to standing for the preborn.
He recently said that abortion is “the most horrendous thing I could possibly conceive,” and has not been shy about his pro-life stance. Even offering that he and his wife would adopt any child his team could not raise on their own.
This isn’t just a football coach speaking—it’s a father, a mentor, and a man who’s willing to put action behind his words. In a culture where silence is easier, Harbaugh’s public defense of life is rare—and refreshing.
Why It Matters
At Save the Storks, we believe in championing life and family—especially in moments that shape the future. Whether it’s a young couple facing an unplanned pregnancy or a major league player revealing he’s about to be a dad, every story of life deserves support.
These athletes remind us that fatherhood is something to celebrate—not just tolerate. That beyond the victories and accolades, the real legacy in life is fatherhood.
Support the Team That Supports Life
If Save the Storks could be a sports team, you know we would be Team Life. And we’d love for you to be on it! You don’t need a jersey number to make an impact. You just need compassion.
Support our mission today and help us provide the resources, encouragement, and hope moms and dads need to choose life—and thrive.
