Chip and Joanna Gaines Achieve 'Lifelong Dream' with Massive Donation That's Close to Their Hearts
- - Chip and Joanna Gaines Achieve 'Lifelong Dream' with Massive Donation That's Close to Their Hearts
Marina WattsJanuary 13, 2026 at 4:17 PM
0
Robert Rogers/Baylor University
Chip and Joanna Gaines made a major donation to their alma mater, Baylor University
Wearing matching jerseys, the couple dedicated Magnolia Field on Jan. 12 at Baylor Ballpark, accomplishing a "lifelong dream"
Chip and Joanna have been involved with Baylor University for years, serving on advisory groups and appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay road show when it came to Waco
Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines' gift to Baylor Athletics is a home run!
On Monday, Jan. 12, the HGTV stars revealed that they accomplished a "lifelong dream" after making a significant donation to Baylor University’s baseball program. Chip, 51, and Joanna, 47, are both alumni of the university, graduating in 1998 and 2001, respectively.
"It’s an honor and a privilege.. really to be honest, a lifelong dream to partner with @BaylorBaseball!!" Chip captioned an Instagram video. "We are incredibly proud to introduce @Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark!"
Robert Rogers/Baylor University
Chip and Joanna Gaines at Baylor University
The field was named after the Gaines' Waco-based lifestyle company, Magnolia. Though the amount the couple donated wasn't disclosed, it was "the largest gift in Baylor Baseball program’s history," per the university.
In addition to naming Magnolia Field, the Gaines' donation will also "support the athletic program’s anticipated capital projects."
View this post on Instagram
In the clip, Joanna and Chip were given baseball jerseys with their names and met the Baylor University baseball team. They also unveiled the new name for Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark, posing with the name painted onto the grass.
Chip even threw a pitch from the new mound to celebrate the dedication.
“Baylor has always been more than a university to us," the couple said in a statement shared on the university's website.
“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,” they continued. “It’s where lessons are passed down, relationships are built, and memories are made—on and off the field.”
Robert Rogers/Baylor University
Chip and Joanna Gaines at Baylor University
Chip was a standout second baseman himself in high school, and after graduating and playing at North Lake Junior College, was recruited to play for Baylor University. Sadly, his college ball dreams didn’t come to fruition after the coach who called him up retired.
“[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,” the HGTV star previously told Baylor Magazine.
Their sons Drake and Duke also play baseball, their proud parents have shared.
Robert Rogers/Baylor University
Chip and Joanna Gaines and Baylor University
The couple previously showed support for their Alma Mater in 2019 when they appeared as celebrity guest pickers on ESPN’s College GameDay road show when it came to Waco.
In addition to their most recent donation, Joanna and Chip have served on planning and advisory groups, spoken at Baylor University events, and financially supported Baylor Athletics through the years.
— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Chip previously gave a baseball field in their hometown a makeover in July 2024, in partnership with Bobcat, the contractor, reviving Bell’s Hill Park.
"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," he said in a press release.
"It’s projects like this that really bring a community together, today but also decades down the road.”
on People
Source: “AOL Sports”
