LEBANON, Tenn. — Countless people who hear the name Matt Kaulig automatically think of NASCAR or LeafFilter Gutter Protection. Yet, the trophy hunting team owner also has ties to a completely different sport.
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He is a minority owner of the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB), the team that leads the American League Central Division entering June.
Sure, the former college football quarterback-turned-entrepreneur already had a significant amount on his plate with all of the businesses and investments under the Kaulig umbrella, but he just couldn't pass up the chance to get involved in his hometown team.
"In your hometown, (it's) great to get to be part of the group, part of the ownership group, be able to be involved in all the conversations and be involved with the team," Kaulig told FanBuzz at Nashville Superspeedway on Friday night.
"And it's a great team. Like actually right now, we're in first place and doing great. So ever since we've been involved, it's been great.
"And now Travis Kelce getting involved (as a minority owner). ... Just like NASCAR, the value of the teams continue to go up. It's a great investment, but it's also a lot of fun."
This move into the Cleveland sports world should not be a surprise to those who know Kaulig. He spent his college years playing quarterback for the University of Akron, located approximately 40 miles from the heart of Cleveland.
Kaulig Capital, the company that he uses to invest in businesses and real estate across the country, sits in nearby Hudson, Ohio. The Kaulig Companies Championship PGA Tour event takes place in Akron, Ohio.
The ties to the Cleveland area were already clear, but some pieces had to fall into place before Kaulig could move more into MLB.
"You know, we got close with (Guardians owner and CEO) Paul Dolan over, whatever, the last 10 years or so," Kaulig explained.
"We started collaborating with the Guardians, actually, before we were owners in the team, about like charitable giving and what they can do in the community."
The Guardians have a charitable arm that raises money for beneficiaries in the Cleveland area. This includes the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and the City of Cleveland Recreation Department youth baseball and softball programs among other examples.
This early partnership between Kaulig Companies and the Guardians led to significant work in the community. This includes raising hundreds of thousands of dollars together over the years through fundraising events.
The partnership then went to another level in 2022 when David Blitzer led an investment group that purchased an ownership stake in the MLB franchise. Blitzer already owned or managed multiple other professional sports franchises.
Kaulig belonged to this investment group that ultimately made the move into the MLB world.
"When it came time to have a new minority owner, or minority group, they wanted us involved," Kaulig said. "We were, you know, blessed enough to have enough money to be able to do that and get involved."
Kaulig became a part of the ownership group in June 2022. He has remained in this role while also fielding NASCAR teams in multiple series, serving as the title sponsor of a PGA Tour event, and continuing to run his businesses.
And while the opportunity to invest in the Guardians became a fun pursuit for Kaulig, it also helped him further pursue his goals. He had the opportunity to make a larger impact on the Cleveland youth through baseball.
You see, Kaulig also works with the Guardians' RBI program. Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities is a completely free program provided to youth from diverse backgrounds. It promotes academic achievement while simultaneously removing the costs associated with youth baseball and softball.
This charitable program has 12 teams split between baseball and softball. Kaulig is actually a coach of one of these teams, which features 16-year-old boys from the Cleveland public school system.
He funds the team, helps create content so that players can put their skills on display for scouts, and helps with fundraising efforts.
This includes the eighth annual CGC Giveathon on June 9, which Kaulig and the Guardians will use to try to build more baseball fields in the city of Cleveland.
"The Cleveland Guardians RBI program is about much more than baseball and softball," Kaulig said. "It provides young people across Northeast Ohio with opportunities, mentorship, and life lessons that extend far beyond the field.
"Through our partnership with Cleveland Guardians Charities, we're proud to help remove barriers so kids can participate, learn, grow, and build confidence. Investing in youth today creates stronger communities tomorrow, and that's something I'm passionate about supporting."
