Pittsburgh Pirates’ Colin Holderman: A pitch for inclusion
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Colin Holderman has always understood the power of inclusion. Growing up with his older sister, Taylor, who has Angelman syndrome, he was surrounded by a community of individuals with diverse abilities. That early exposure shaped his outlook on life and inspired his mission to give back when he realized his dream of playing Major League Baseball. Now, through a partnership with Wilson and Autism Speaks on the Love the Moment campaign, the fourth-year pro is using his platform to bring awareness to autism and other special needs communities.
“It’s something that’s really close to me,” he shares. “I’ve carried it with me throughout my career because I’ve seen firsthand the impact it has.” His sister, Taylor, has been his greatest teacher, showing him the value of perseverance and positivity. “She’s the rock of our family,” Colin says with admiration. “She was dealt this hand at birth, yet she goes through life loving and laughing. If she can have that attitude, what’s my excuse?”
Colin’s involvement with the Love the Moment campaign is more than just a charitable effort; it’s personal. He hopes to amplify awareness and create spaces where families navigating disabilities feel seen and supported. “The financial and emotional struggles can be tough, and it’s stressful on families,” he explains. “Bringing people together, giving them a chance to talk and share their experiences—it makes a difference.”
Aaron Gillette, Brand Marketing Director for Wilson Baseball/Softball said he knew early on that Colin was a perfect fit to represent the brand. "Colin was one of the first players who shared his appreciation for Wilson adding the Love the Moment logo to our custom glove builder, and that part of why he loves working with Wilson is that we share his same values" Gillette said. "We love working with Colin because he's a great pitcher, but an even better human being."
A custom glove with a deeper meaning
A significant part of this collaboration is Holderman’s partnership with Wilson to design a custom glove that embodies his mission. As a lifelong fan of the brand, creating his own glove was a dream come true. “I remember the first time I got to customize a glove in high school—it was amazing,” he recalls. “Now, being able to do it in person at Wilson’s headquarters? It’s next level.”
Colin worked closely with his younger brother, Casey, who has a keen eye for design, to come up with ideas for the glove. “Casey’s got a million ideas,” he laughs. “He was sending me suggestions non-stop before I went in.” The process was about more than aesthetics—it was about creating something meaningful. While he has yet to debut the glove on the field, he anticipates an emotional moment when he does. “It’s going to be special,” he says. “First, I’ll try to make my teammates jealous—because why not?—but ultimately, knowing what this glove represents will mean the world to me.”
A vision for a more inclusive future
As someone who has witnessed the evolution of inclusivity firsthand, Holderman is hopeful for the future. “When I was younger, I used to be defensive, always worried about how people might react to Taylor,” he admits. “But I’ve seen society take steps forward. We’re becoming more inclusive, more understanding. And I just want to keep pushing that awareness forward.”
Through baseball, philanthropy, and personal connection, Colin Holderman is proving that the game is bigger than just wins and losses—it’s about making an impact, one pitch at a time.
