Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun Lee Amedee, who just finished up his collegiate career a couple of weeks ago, has added another honor to his resume. He has been named the national winner of the 2026 Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy.
The award, first given last year, seeks to honor the legacy of Tony Gwynn by recognizing excellent off-field community service efforts by an NCAA Baseball player.
Gwynn was a 15-time Major League Baseball All-Star, but his biggest impacts may have come off the field. His dedication to philanthropy was well-documented, including he and his wife creating the Tony Gwynn Foundation which helps children in need. Additionally, he earned the Branch Rickey Award and the Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award for his community service efforts.
Gwynn passed away after a battle with cancer in 2014.
Amedee was a standout on the field for the Ragin’ Cajuns, playing 199 career games, and totaling 13 home runs and 125 RBIs during his career. His senior season was his best, as he batted .300 with seven homers and 54 RBIs.
Off the field, however, is perhaps where Amedee made an even bigger impact. He logged more than 1,000 community service hours during his time at UL. In addition to volunteering as a Little League coach, Amedee worked with organizations such as Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church and Bayou Church on community initiatives.
“It means the world to me to receive the Tony Gwynn Community Award,” Amedee said. “I’m honored to represent the University of Louisiana and the Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball program with this award. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and family for making me the man I am today.”
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns finished an impressive 2026 season in the Regional Final, ultimately falling to Mississippi State. For the season, the Cajuns went 41-25 overall.
