Former Angels First Baseman Wally Joyner, Visits Pediatric Patients and Raises $120,000 for Psychosocial Programs and Research Efforts at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach

Wally Joyner, retired Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman, hosted his annual Wally Joyner and Friends Golf Classic that raised more than $120,000 to support the expansion of psychosocial programs and research efforts at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach. Psychosocial programs at Miller Children’s are designed to help patients and their families cope with the physical and emotional aspects of childhood cancer and serious blood disorders, as well as ease anxieties and lessen their fears during hospitalization.

The Wally Joyner & Friends Golf Classic was held at the Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Coast, Calif., where more than 100 of Joyner’s friend’s and former and current major league baseball players including Tim Salmon, Fred Lynn, Jim Edmonds and Trevor Hoffman gathered to participate in the event.

Following the tournament was a dinner and live auction where guests bid on items including an autographed Howie Kendrick baseball and a jersey autographed by Kendrys Morales.

For nearly a decade, Joyner has been dedicated to supporting Miller Children’s by hosting his annual golf tournament. In more recent years, the proceeds from the tournaments were instrumental in building a new state-of-the-art pediatric cancer unit for JJCCC at Miller Children’s, including two patient rooms on the third floor that are named after Joyner.

Although Joyner is no longer a California resident, he continues to hold a special place in his heart for Miller Children’s. While in town for this year’s tournament, Joyner made a special visit to Miller Children’s patients and their families whose care is supported through his contribution.

During his visit, he stopped at every room in the hematology/oncology unit and spent one-on-one time with each patient – taking photos and giving them autographed baseballs and Angels hats. 

“Pediatric cancer holds a very special place in my heart and the care team at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center do an excellent job caring for these kids,” says Joyner. “It touches my heart to be able to help the patients and their families that are going through a very challenging time in their lives. I’m happy to have the opportunity to not only raise money for Miller Children’s, but to really get to know the patients.”

After stopping by the hematology/oncology unit, Joyner spent the rest of the morning visiting patients and their families in one of the pediatric playrooms at Miller Children’s.