Pablo López's remarkable passion for serving others predated his career in Minnesota, earning him a Roberto Clemente Award nomination during his time with the Miami Marlins. His unparalleled commitment to the Twins’ community, however, sets him apart as a leader deserving of this recognition. His excellence on the mound has made him a fan favorite and an All-Star, but his impact lies in his extraordinary character. Pablo truly exemplifies Roberto Clemente’s legacy as a fierce competitor on the diamond and force for good in the community.
With this season's new "Pablo Day" initiative, Pablo and his wife Kaylee are using his star status at Target Field to bring financial support and awareness to a trio of local nonprofits representing causes about which they care. The first is Children's Minnesota, inspired by Pablo's late parents -- both doctors -- and his decision at age 16 to choose between medical school acceptance and a professional contract with the Seattle Mariners. Although Pablo pursued baseball, he has kept healthcare close to his heart. Every September, Pablo honors Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by visiting patients at Children’s Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Pablo has become a favorite of patients, appearing on Children’s Minnesota’s Star Studio TV network to play games and teach kids about pitching techniques.
Through “Pablo Day,” Pablo supports Ruff Start Rescue, reflecting his love of animals. In addition to their rescue dog Benny, Pablo and Kaylee recently adopted a new puppy from the organization. This puppy, Bosco, was originally named Pablo in a litter named after Twins players. Pablo and Kaylee have developed a strong relationship with Ruff Start Rescue, bringing adoptable rescue puppies to Target Field, sharing their love for Benny and Bosco on social media and calling attention to animal welfare and adoption opportunities.
The final “Pablo Day” beneficiary, Project Success, represents Pablo and Kaylee’s commitment to empowering youth through education. Inspired by Kaylee's career as an elementary educator and his lifelong enthusiasm for learning (evidenced by his medical school acceptance at age 16 and his fluency in four languages), Pablo jumps at every chance to support students. For the past two years, he has taken underserved students back-to-school shopping to equip them with the supplies they need to be successful. Pablo has visited local high school classes to help students practice their foreign language conversational skills. His support has extended across Twins Territory: In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2022, Pablo volunteered with United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties to sort donations and support students in the Twins’ Spring Training home of Fort Myers, Fla., which sustained significant storm damage.
Pablo is also a prominent supporter of the Twins Community Fund and its youth development programs. In addition to generous financial support, Pablo lends his time and talents to encourage young people at MTCF programs. In 2023, Pablo was a speaker at the Twins High School Leadership Academy, inspiring an audience of baseball and softball team captains from across Minnesota. This summer, Pablo helped coach young athletes at MTCF’s adaptive wheelchair softball clinic. Pablo’s unique ability to connect with young people has made Twins Territory youth feel welcome, celebrated and inspired on baseball and softball fields.
Pablo López exemplifies the best of baseball on and off the field with his extraordinary character, community impact and commitment to excellence. Through his words and actions, Pablo inspires his teammates, fans and young people across Twins Territory to create a better tomorrow. Pablo’s legacy continues to grow, leaving the community and the game better for it.