Winfield decided to choose the sport he always loved - baseball - and had a monumental 22 year career. His career was not only marked by athletic excellence, but also by a deep commitment to philanthropy.

As the first active professional athlete to establish a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, The Winfield Foundation, Dave set a pioneering example that many other athletes followed. For almost three decades, the foundation served communities in the 6 cities he played in, providing healthcare, nutritional counseling, scholarships, computer literacy programs, and holiday meals to children and families in need.

In 1977, Dave launched the Winfield Awards to recognize students excelling in academics, sports, and community service. More than 400 minority student-athletes have been honored since its inception. His work influenced the MLB Players Association’s Player’s Trust, the MLB All-Star Game, and initiatives that honor the remaining Negro League players.

Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Winfield plays an active role in international baseball tours and goodwill missions, visiting countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, South Korea, and Australia. He accompanied President Jimmy Carter and the Carter Center on a humanitarian mission to combat Guinea Worm disease in Africa.

His lifetime of charitable work has earned him numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from Syracuse University, Concordia University, and Thomas Jefferson School of Law, cementing his legacy as both an athlete and a global humanitarian.