Minnesota Twins’ ‘Girls Belong in Baseball’ Initiative Named Finalist for MLB’s Top Philanthropic Award

The Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Twins Community Fund have earned national recognition for their efforts to expand opportunities for girls in baseball. Major League Baseball has selected the organization’s “Girls Belong in Baseball” initiative as a finalist for the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence, MLB’s highest team honor for charitable and community impact programs.

The announcement highlights the Twins’ commitment to making baseball more accessible and creating opportunities for girls to participate in the sport. The initiative is designed to help address barriers to participation while encouraging the next generation of female players to develop their skills, build confidence and find a place in the game.

Fans Can Vote for the Minnesota Twins

MLB is inviting fans to help determine this year’s recipient through an online voting process. Voting opened Friday, October 9, and runs through Friday, October 16.

Supporters can cast their votes through MLB’s official website at mlbtogether.com/selig.

The recognition places the Twins among the finalists competing for one of baseball’s most distinguished community service honors. The award celebrates club programs that demonstrate meaningful social impact and a commitment to improving the communities they serve.

‘Girls Belong in Baseball’ Promotes Opportunity and Inclusion

Through the Minnesota Twins Community Fund, the organization supports initiatives that use baseball and softball to create positive experiences for young people throughout Minnesota and surrounding communities.

The “Girls Belong in Baseball” initiative centers on expanding access and reinforcing an important message: girls should have the opportunity to participate, compete and thrive in baseball.

By helping create more inclusive opportunities, the program supports the continued growth of girls’ participation in the sport while encouraging young athletes to see baseball as a place where they belong.

The initiative’s selection as a finalist recognizes the importance of community-focused programming and the role professional sports organizations can play in helping create lasting opportunities beyond the field.

What Is the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence?

The Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence is Major League Baseball’s highest honor recognizing a club’s philanthropic and social impact efforts.

Named after former MLB Commissioner Allan H. Selig, the award highlights programs that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to charitable service and community development.

For the Twins, becoming a finalist brings national attention to the work of the Minnesota Twins Community Fund and its efforts to create opportunities for young people through baseball.

How to Vote for the Twins

Fans who want to support the Minnesota Twins’ “Girls Belong in Baseball” initiative can participate in MLB’s online voting program.

• Program: Girls Belong in Baseball

• Finalist: Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Twins Community Fund

• Award: Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence

• Voting period: October 9–16, 2026

• Official voting website: mlbtogether.com/selig

The nomination recognizes the Twins’ work to expand opportunities for girls in baseball and highlights the broader impact of community initiatives supported by Major League Baseball clubs.

With fan voting underway, Minnesota supporters have an opportunity to help bring national recognition to a program dedicated to making baseball more welcoming and accessible for the next generation.

The bottom line: The Minnesota Twins’ “Girls Belong in Baseball” initiative has been named a finalist for MLB’s Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence. Fans can vote online through October 16 to help determine this year’s winning community impact program.