While Dansby Swanson is recognized as one of Major League Baseball's premier shortstops and respected clubhouse leaders, his greatest impact extends far beyond the game.
Following the launch of the Purpose and Calling Foundation in 2025, Dansby and his wife, Mallory, have dedicated themselves to creating meaningful opportunities for children and families while strengthening communities. Their approach is deeply personal; they not only provide financial support, but they also invest their time, leadership and relationships to create lasting impact.
That commitment was on full display during the inaugural Swanson Games, which brought together Cubs and Chicago Stars teammates, partners and supporters for an unforgettable evening that raised more than $700,000 to expand the foundation's work. The event showcased Dansby's ability to unite people around a shared purpose and turn generosity into meaningful action.
In 2026, the foundation significantly expanded its reach across Chicago and beyond. Recognizing the importance of safe, inclusive spaces for children, the foundation committed $200,000 to build a fully accessible playground in Evanston, Illinois. Designed through community engagement and scheduled to open this fall, the playground will provide recreation for more than 17,000 children annually while serving as a welcoming gathering place for families.
The foundation also awarded a $75,000 grant to New Life Centers to expand its "Light the Night" program, which provides organized sports, meals, family activities and safe spaces for more than 10,000 children in underserved Chicago neighborhoods each summer. Dansby further supported the organization by sponsoring its youth baseball team, helping more children experience the game that shaped his own life.
Throughout the baseball season, Dansby welcomed more than 250 children to Wrigley Field for unforgettable experiences that included batting practice, player meet and greets, autographs, and game tickets. Understanding that transportation and cost can prevent families from participating, the foundation also covered transportation and meals, ensuring every child could attend regardless of circumstance.
His annual youth baseball clinic reflected the same commitment to accessibility and personal connection. More than 50 children participated free of charge, with transportation, lunch and equipment provided. Dansby spent time with every participant, signing autographs, taking photos and encouraging each child individually, creating memories that extended far beyond baseball.
During the holiday season, Dansby and Mallory partnered with Lydia Home to provide Christmas gifts for more than 100 children living in foster care. More than 400 gifts were purchased directly from each child's wish list, individually wrapped and delivered alongside brand-new Nike winter coats and socks, helping make the holidays brighter for children facing difficult circumstances.
Beyond these signature initiatives, the foundation distributed more than 2,500 Gatorade sport water bottles to nonprofit organizations throughout Chicago, supporting youth programs and promoting healthy lifestyles for thousands of young athletes. Dansby also donated countless game experiences, autographed memorabilia, and meet and greets to nonprofit organizations nationwide, helping charities raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for causes ranging from pediatric cancer to youth development.
Dansby and Mallory also created a lasting source of comfort for patients at Lurie Children's Hospital by recording themselves reading children's books. Their recordings are now permanently available through the hospital's internal system, allowing young patients and families to hear familiar voices at bedtime during some of life's most challenging moments.
His commitment to service extends well beyond Chicago. Dansby invested $600,000 in Vanderbilt's baseball program to support future student-athletes at the program that helped shape his own journey. Internationally, the foundation funded the construction of a clean water well in Chakhai Village, Myanmar, providing safe drinking water to more than 350 residents and transforming daily life for an entire community.
Since its launch, the Purpose and Calling Foundation has quickly become a catalyst for opportunity and hope. Through strategic investments, hands-on leadership and genuine personal engagement, Dansby consistently uses his platform to serve others and inspire positive change.
The Roberto Clemente Award honors the player who best exemplifies baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement and philanthropy. Dansby Swanson embodies those values every day. Whether creating opportunities for underserved youth, supporting children and families, strengthening communities or personally investing in the lives of others, he has demonstrated that true leadership is measured not only by achievements on the field, but by the lasting impact made beyond it. He is exceptionally deserving of Major League Baseball's 2026 Roberto Clemente Award.
