In a moment that has left fans stunned and the Minnesota Twins clubhouse buzzing, star pitcher Joe Ryan has once again made a bold, game-changing announcement — not about baseball performance, but about legacy, loyalty, and life beyond the mound.
At a surprise media appearance this morning held at Target Field, Ryan took the podium not to discuss the team’s playoff push or his outstanding ERA, but to share news that made even longtime manager Rocco Baldelli stop in his tracks with visible emotion.
A Pitch for the Community: $12 Million Pledged to Minnesota Youth Development & Housing
Ryan, 28, announced that he is personally donating $12 million of his earnings and endorsements to establish the Joe Ryan Foundation for Futures, a long-term initiative dedicated to building affordable housing, youth mentorship programs, and athletic training centers across underserved neighborhoods in the Twin Cities.
“Minnesota gave me a platform, a home, and a family,” Ryan said. “Now it’s my turn to give back — to the kids who dream big but don’t always have the means. I want them to know that someone believes in them, just like the Twins believed in me.”
Manager Rocco Baldelli Reacts: “That’s Bigger Than Baseball”
The normally composed Baldelli was momentarily speechless after Ryan’s announcement.
“This guy just walked into our city a few years ago, and now he’s giving pieces of his heart back to it. I’m in awe,” Baldelli said. “It’s bigger than a no-hitter, bigger than an All-Star appearance. This is real leadership.”
Sources say Baldelli had no prior knowledge of the initiative, and players reportedly found out just minutes before the press conference.
What the Joe Ryan Foundation Will Do
The Joe Ryan Foundation for Futures will launch this fall with three core projects:
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Build 100 units of transitional housing for homeless youth in St. Paul and North Minneapolis.
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Create three free-access baseball and softball facilities for local student-athletes, complete with gear and professional coaching.
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Fund scholarships and mentorship programs for underserved teens pursuing college and trade school.
According to the foundation’s mission statement, the goal is to “equip young Minnesotans to thrive — on and off the field.”
Teammates Show Support
Twins players filled the press area, several wearing T-shirts that read “Do it like Joe” — a phrase that’s quietly become a clubhouse motto referring to Ryan’s relentless work ethic and off-field humility.
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“Joe’s always been more than a pitcher,” said teammate Carlos Correa. “Now he’s showing us all how to use this platform for good.”
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“I’ve never been prouder to call someone my teammate,” added Byron Buxton.
Minnesota Fans React: “A True Twin”
On social media, the Twins fanbase erupted in emotional praise:
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“Joe Ryan is the heart of this team. No one deserves that jersey more.”
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“He’s not just playing for wins — he’s playing for us.”
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“Joe’s legacy will be measured by lives changed, not just stats.”
A Continued Commitment to Minnesota
Since joining the Twins via trade in 2021, Ryan has quietly grown into one of the franchise’s most respected figures. His performance on the mound — including two All-Star appearances and a career 3.21 ERA — speaks volumes. But now, his off-field efforts are building a different kind of dynasty.
“I’ve always believed that greatness isn’t just about what you do — it’s about what you give,” Ryan said. “Minnesota helped me become the man I am. This is the least I can do in return.”
Looking Ahead
With the Twins on track for a deep postseason run, Ryan’s announcement injects even more momentum into a team already riding high. But beyond the baseball headlines, this story is about heart, home, and hope.
As Manager Baldelli summed up perfectly:
“What Joe did today won’t show up on the stat sheet. But it’ll live forever in Minnesota
