At a Glance
- Chip and Joanna Gaines donated the largest gift in Baylor Baseball history to their alma mater on January 12, 2025.
- The couple dedicated Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark, fulfilling what they called a “lifelong dream.”
- Their donation will also fund the athletic program’s future capital projects.
- Why it matters: The HGTV stars’ record gift strengthens their longtime ties to Baylor and boosts the university’s baseball program.
Chip and Joanna Gaines have hit a home run for Baylor University. On January 12, the HGTV stars revealed they made the largest donation ever given to the school’s baseball program and saw the field renamed Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
Wearing matching Baylor jerseys, the couple stepped onto the newly christened field with the university’s baseball team. Chip, 51, and Joanna, 47, graduated from Baylor in 1998 and 2001 respectively, and both have remained active supporters of the school.
“It’s an honor and a privilege.. really to be honest, a lifelong dream to partner with @BaylorBaseball!!” Chip wrote on Instagram. “We are incredibly proud to introduce @Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark!”
The university did not disclose the dollar amount of the gift, but confirmed it stands as the biggest single donation in Baylor Baseball program history.
Baseball Roots Run Deep
Baseball has long played a central role in the Gaines family. Chip was a standout second baseman in high school and played at North Lake Junior College before being recruited to Baylor. When the coach who recruited him retired, Chip’s college baseball dreams ended, but his connection to the university only grew.
“[Baseball] got me in the front door at Baylor. As God would have it, I was not destined to be the next great baseball player, but I was destined to enjoy Baylor University and the dear friends that I met there,” he told Baylor Magazine.
Today, two of their sons, Drake and Duke, also play baseball, keeping the family’s connection to the sport alive.
Beyond the Diamond
The Gaines’ involvement with Baylor extends far beyond the ballpark. Over the years they have:
- Served on university planning and advisory groups
- Spoken at campus events
- Provided ongoing financial support to Baylor Athletics
- Appeared as celebrity guest pickers on ESPN’s College GameDay road show when it visited Waco in 2019
In a statement released by the university, the couple said: “Baylor has always been more than a university to us. It’s a place that shaped who we are and continues to shape leaders who care deeply about people. Baseball, in particular, has played a meaningful role in our family for generations. It’s where lessons are passed down, relationships are built, and memories are made-on and off the field.”
Community Impact
The Magnolia Field dedication caps a series of local sports-focused projects for the Gaines family. In July 2024, Chip partnered with equipment manufacturer Bobcat to renovate Bell’s Hill Park in Waco, restoring a community ballfield for local players.
“Spending time outside and being involved in community sports is such a big part of our family’s life, which makes me thrilled to partner with Bobcat here in Waco to renovate a local ballpark as they launch their national contest,” Chip said at the time.
The renovation aimed to create a space where families and neighbors could gather for generations, echoing the spirit of the couple’s latest gift to Baylor.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate impact of the donation is the naming of Magnolia Field, Baylor officials say the funds will also fuel future athletic capital projects. The gift ensures the baseball program has resources to compete at the highest level and to upgrade facilities as needed.
For Chip and Joanna, the dedication represents more than philanthropy-it closes a circle that began when a young Chip first arrived on campus with dreams of playing college baseball. Decades later, his name now sits permanently on the field where those dreams began.
Key Takeaways
- The Gaines’ donation is the largest in Baylor Baseball history.
- Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark was officially dedicated on January 12, 2025.
- The couple’s gift reflects a family legacy tied to baseball and Baylor University.
- Additional funds will support future Baylor Athletics capital projects.
