1
twinsbaseball.com / diversity Click here for information on the Minnesota Twins Spanish language radio broadcasts Minnesota Twins visit schools to show that “Reading is Powerful!” On February 19th, the Minnesota Twins kicked off their “Reading is Powerful!” Program, which consists of volunteers from the Front Office staff visiting various elementary schools in Minnesota and reading about important figures such as Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente. This year, the program’s 5th edition, the Twins will be able to touch the lives of over 3,000 students with visits to 18 schools in Twins Territory. Each visit consists of reading a book about the player, showing a short documentary of their exemplary lives, and ending with trivia questions for prizes. As an added surprise, the Minnesota Twins are providing all participating students with four free tickets to a Twins game this spring. The Twins are proud to inspire our youth through the lives of these great players and celebrate diversity every day! Click here to see the video. Minnesota Twins present at the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon On February 7th, the Minnesota Twins helped sponsor the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon at the McNamara Alumni Center located in the University of Minnesota. The event had members and guests from all communities meet for lunch and discuss how we can “Think about Tomorrow to Change Today”. Mr. Uzoma Obasi was introduced as the new president of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, and the program also included Mr. James C. Burroughs II, Minnesota’s Chief Inclusion Officer, as keynote speaker. The Minnesota Twins are proud to support the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce and their efforts to help and unite all communities. For more information about the MBCC, click here. Minnesota Twins present at “Connect India 2018” The Minnesota Twins were present at the India Association of Minnesota’s annual “Connect India” event, which was held on February 17, 2018. “Connect India” is a platform for all Indian Organizations around Minnesota to come together and share their missions, goals, and explore areas where everyone from different communities can collaborate. This year’s event included the presence of Lori Swanson, Minnesota’s Attorney General, as well as several community leaders. Around 250 community members and dignitaries were present, and each organization was able to share their missions and upcoming events with one another. For more information about IAM or the Connect India event, click here. Twins Community Fund Donation Event Provides New Equipment to Local Teams The Twins Community Fund partnered with Pitch In For Baseball to donate baseball and softball equipment to Minneapolis and St. Paul middle and high schools in a recent event at Target Field. Hosted by former Twins All-Star shortstop and Pitch In For Baseball chairman, Roy Smalley, the event leverages a donation from the Twins Community Fund and equipment manufacturer relationships to provide $110,000 worth of new equipment. Through this partnership, Pitch In For Baseball and the Minnesota Twins hope to break the barrier that prevents boys and girls from getting out on the field and grow their love for baseball and softball by creating opportunities for involvement among young people within the Twins community. Click here for more information. The Minnesota Twins’ Front Office reading to 4th and 5th graders at Kenny Community School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. CONNECT We Celebrate Diversity 365 days of the year | February 2018 Follow us on Twitter @TwinsDiversity Click here for Twins ticket information Members and guests of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce convene for their Annual Luncheon. India Association of Minnesota’s “Connect India 2018”. Former Twins All-Star Roy Smalley speaks with local teams about their new equipment. SPOTLIGHT PLAYER PROFILE José Berríos Twitter: @JOLaMaKina José, who hails from his native Puerto Rico, made his Major League Baseball debut on April 27, 2016. At 21 years old, he become the youngest Twin to debut as a starting pitcher since Pat Mahomes in 1992. He was named International League All-Star in 2016, as well as the Twins second-best prospect entering 2016. José pitched for Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, going 1-0 with 10 strikeouts in two games, helping them win a silver medal. He has been constantly involved with giving back to the community in Minnesota and Puerto Rico, helping with Hurricane María efforts after disaster struck his homeland. He says that if he wasn’t a Major League player, he would choose a career that allows him to teach. Good luck in the upcoming season, José Berríos!
