Tovar's heart for helping displayed through children's work

DENVER – Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar’s smile grew bigger and his eyes brightened more each time he stepped into a room – or was greeted by an excited fan outside a room – at Children’s Hospital Colorado on Monday morning.

The week of Players' Weekend, which is being celebrated through Sunday, is a good time to highlight Tovar, 25, and the cause dearest to him: pediatric healthcare.

Tovar and his wife, Laura, are parents of a healthy and energetic boy, Luciano, born Father’s Day, June 18, 2023. As he lives with his fortune, he wishes that for everyone.

“As a dad, it resonates with me, being there and sharing time with them,” said Tovar, who left Friday night’s 9-1 loss to the Guardians at Coors Field after three innings because of an illness that included a headache. “Sometimes, it’s tough when you see what kids are going through. But at the same time, it’s awesome [to be there for them].”

For each double Tovar hits this season, he is donating $1,000 to support pediatric healthcare programs at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. The Colorado Rockies Foundation is matching that figure. He has a similar program in Venezuela.

Tovar, however, wants to do more than fund efforts. Spending time with the children – in this case visiting rooms, playing with them, and meeting their parents in the virtual reality room – touches his heart.

Later that day at Coors Field, before prepping for a game, a still-emotional Tovar explained what the day meant to him, especially knowing that it meant even more for those he visited.

“It’s the second time I’ve done this kind of visit,” Tovar said, with Edwin Perez interpreting. “The first time was much tougher. I went to an area that had kids with cancer. Seeing that … I’m a sensitive guy.

“But it’s great to be there with the kids and know you’re making an impact.”

Tovar spent time with the children, signed baseball cards and other items, and went to the hospital’s studio to play games on a virtual reality version of MLB The Show. The kids were able to pretend that they were Tovar, and hit home runs at Coors Field. Additionally, Tovar arranged tickets for children and their families to attend a Rockies game, and arranged for them to receive a Rockies jersey with their name and their favorite number.

The desire to give his time and effort to children was planted long before Tovar received the means to do so in 2024, when he signed a seven-year, $63.5 million contract with a club option for 2031.

Tovar, a native of Maracay, Venezuela, moved to the Dominican Republic to be scouted (and was noticed by a Rockies scout at age 13). But his home country never lost its place in his heart.

As he grew, he joined more established players in a Venezuelan family and baseball tradition.

“It started when I was in the Minor Leagues, especially come December time in Venezuela,” Tovar said. ”We do things where we arrange with families for what we call comelona [which essentially translates to 'feast']."

"You gather a lot of families, you’re making meals, you’re being in the community. You’re baking the food. You’re giving. You’re taking it out to families who need it, who need the help. In Venezuela, there are a lot of people that need anything. When you’re doing that, you’re inspiring other people. You’re also inspiring your family. You each make your own comelona. You’re taking care of your community. Then you find a foundation to serve, one that inspires you. For me, it’s healthcare with the kids. But no matter what you choose, try to make an impact. And other people get inspired by that.”

Usually, when Tovar is present for those he likes to help, it’s a quiet event. This time, MLB officials and Tovar’s representative, Alejandro Padrón of Rimas Sports and the staff of Children’s Hospital Colorado combined on a more grand effort – one Tovar hopes inspires others.

“When I gave back to Venezuela with some gifts at the hospital, I was not going to be the one posting on social – I think you’ve got to give from the heart, because you truly want to give,” Tovar said. “But I understand the flip side. Posting can have an impact. Maybe someone who has the same mentality, the same heart, wants to give back. I understand that part of it.

“For me, it’s all about the kids, making an impact on their lives. This whole collaboration can help with that.”