MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins, a catalyst for change in the community for more than 60 years, today announced that Major League Baseball has selected the organization’s Twins Economic Advancement in the Marketplace (TEAM) initiative as a finalist for the prestigious Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence. MLB is hosting an online fan vote from today (Monday, October 16) through Monday, October 23 at mlbtogether.com/selig to help determine this year’s most distinguished club social impact program.
The TEAM initiative is a collection of unique programs (Creator’s Corner presented by U.S. Bank, Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars, Target Field food vendors in partnership with Delaware North, and Twins Game Changers in partnership with Bally Sports North) with the common goal of leveraging the Twins’ partnerships and platform to level the playing field and elevate minority-owned businesses.
“The Minnesota Twins organization has a longstanding commitment to celebrating diversity and advancing social equity – goals that cannot be truly achieved while socioeconomic disparities remain,” said club President & CEO Dave St. Peter. “Our TEAM initiative exists to eliminate barriers, provide access and deliver support so that our region’s women- and BIPOC-owned businesses may grow and thrive. These companies are an essential part of our community’s vitality, and we are proud to collaborate with our longstanding partners to help create pathways to economic mobility.”
The Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence, formerly known as the Commissioner’s Award for Philanthropic Excellence, was created in 2010 to recognize the charitable and philanthropic efforts of MLB clubs.
Twins Economic Advancement in the Marketplace (TEAM) Initiative
Recognizing the power of the organization’s platform to create change, the Minnesota Twins established the Twins Economic Advancement in the Marketplace (TEAM) initiative, a collection of unique programs with the common goal of leveraging the club’s partnerships and platform to level the playing field and elevate minority-owned businesses. The programs are:
- Creator’s Corner presented by U.S. Bank: Introduced in 2023, this multi-year partnership with U.S. Bank brings local women- and BIPOC-owned businesses to Target Field. A dedicated retail space inside Gate 34 – the ballpark’s most highly-trafficked entrance – welcomes a trio of small businesses to sell their products to fans throughout the season. The Twins and U.S. Bank collaborate with these companies to promote and sell their products, while making a financial investment in each to fuel the growth of their business.
- Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars: Founded in 2021, this incubator program provides a unique opportunity for minority-owned startups to learn from industry-leading experts in sports and entertainment technology. Each year’s class of 10 startups receive funding, mentorship and robust support to become self-sufficient businesses. More than 60 percent of founders through the first two cohorts self-identify as BIPOC.
- Target Field Food Vendors: In collaboration with longtime foodservice and retail partner Delaware North, the Twins dedicate Target Field concessions space to spotlight local chefs and entrepreneurs. Beyond traditional ballpark fare, Target Field delivers local flavors and introduces millions of fans each season to restaurants such as Union Hmong Kitchen, Soul Bowl, Official Fried Chicken, Roots for the Home Team, Hot Indian and La Tapatia to represent the rich diversity of cuisine in Twins Territory.
- Twins Game Changers with broadcast partner Bally Sports North: Established in 2021, Twins Game Changers annually highlights three diverse-owned small businesses making a difference by giving back. Working with Bally Sports North, the Twins leverage media and in-game platforms to spotlight these founders’ stories of leadership and commitment to strengthening their communities.
Innovative and impactful, these programs exemplify the Twins’ commitment to supporting and amplifying the creativity, diversity and talents of the local and regional community. Through financial investment, retail space, staffing support, industry expertise and invaluable promotional exposure, it is the organization’s goal to help diverse-owned businesses and startups grow and flourish inside and outside of Target Field.