THESE IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Minnesota Twins and Major Baseball league MLB are overjoyed as MLB commissioner Rob Manfred makes Announcement of making Shortstop Royce Lewis the senior…see more

In a thrilling and emotionally charged announcement that has electrified fans of the Minnesota Twins and captivated the entire Major League Baseball (MLB) community, Commissioner Rob Manfred has officially declared rising superstar Royce Lewis as the league’s newest Senior Team Ambassador and Franchise Leader — a unique and prestigious role that blends athletic excellence with leadership, community engagement, and organizational impact.

This groundbreaking announcement was made at Target Field during a special ceremony held ahead of the Twins’ weekend series against the Kansas City Royals. As Commissioner Manfred took the podium with Twins executives, coaching staff, and players present, he praised Royce Lewis for not only his stellar performance on the field but for his “unshakable character, inspiring resilience, and vision for the future of the game.”

A Rare Honor Bestowed on a Rising Star

At just 26 years old, Royce Lewis has become the heart and soul of the Minnesota Twins. A former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Lewis has overcome multiple serious injuries — including two ACL tears — to emerge as a dynamic shortstop, a clubhouse leader, and one of the most respected young voices in the league.

Now, with his health fully restored and a breakout season in full swing, Lewis is batting .312 with 23 home runs and 68 RBIs as of early August 2025. But beyond his statistics, it’s his impact off the diamond that earned him this new title.

Commissioner Manfred explained the motivation behind the appointment:

“Royce Lewis embodies everything Major League Baseball stands for — excellence, integrity, community, and perseverance. Today, we recognize him not just as a player, but as a visionary leader for the future of our sport.”

What Is the Role of a “Senior Team Ambassador and Franchise Leader”?

This unique position — only recently created within MLB’s evolving leadership framework — is designed to empower select players to:

• Represent their teams and the league at national events
• Support league-wide community and youth outreach programs
• Advise on player wellness, education, and engagement initiatives
• Mentor younger teammates and prospects
• Act as a liaison between players, league officials, and the MLB Players Association

For the Minnesota Twins, this means that Royce Lewis will serve as the public face of the franchise, much like Derek Jeter once did for the Yankees or Albert Pujols for the Cardinals — but with a formalized league partnership to magnify his influence on and off the field.

Royce Lewis Reacts: “This Is Bigger Than Baseball”

As the crowd at Target Field rose for a standing ovation, Lewis stepped to the microphone visibly moved. With humility and passion, he addressed the announcement:

“I never imagined something like this. I just wanted to play the game I love. To be given this honor — to be trusted by my team, my city, and the league — it means everything.”

“Baseball gave me strength when I was broken. It gave me purpose when I doubted myself. Now I want to give that strength to others — to kids, to fans, to teammates who need to believe in something bigger than themselves.”

From Setbacks to Stardom: The Journey of Royce Lewis

Lewis’ road to this point has been anything but easy. After being drafted first overall, he was widely seen as the Twins’ future face. But injuries derailed his trajectory in 2020 and 2021. Many doubted whether he could ever fulfill his immense potential.

But in 2023, Lewis made a powerful comeback, showing flashes of brilliance despite limited playing time. By 2024, he had secured the starting shortstop job and quickly became a fan favorite — not only for his athleticism and clutch hitting but for his energy, smile, and unmistakable love for the game.

His leadership qualities began to emerge as he took younger players under his wing, gave back to the Minneapolis community, and became a regular voice in team huddles and league events.

“Royce leads from the heart,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “He’s the first to show up and the last to leave. He holds himself accountable, but more importantly, he lifts others up. There’s no one more deserving.”

League and Player Reactions Pour In

The MLB community has erupted with support and excitement over the announcement:

• Aaron Judge, Yankees captain: “Royce is the real deal. Big-time talent with a bigger heart. He’s the kind of leader every clubhouse needs.”
• Mookie Betts, Dodgers outfielder: “Happy for Royce. That role was made for someone like him.”
• Justin Morneau, former Twins MVP: “This reminds me of the early 2000s when a young Joe Mauer stepped in and became our cornerstone. Royce is that guy for this generation.”

Even Twins legend Kirby Puckett’s son, Jordan Puckett, shared a message on social media:

“My dad always said leaders don’t just play the game — they change it. Royce Lewis is doing just that. Proud of you, young man.”

A New Era for the Twins

The appointment of Royce Lewis as Senior Team Ambassador couldn’t come at a better time for the Twins. With a talented roster including Byron Buxton, Brooks Lee, and Pablo López, Minnesota is contending strongly in the AL Central and eyeing a deep postseason run.

Lewis’s leadership could be the X-factor in the clubhouse and beyond.

“We’re not just chasing wins,” Lewis said. “We’re building something that lasts — a culture of respect, joy, and belief. That’s what I want this role to stand for.”

Commissioner Manfred’s Vision

This move is also part of a broader push by MLB to empower players to shape the sport’s future — both culturally and socially. Commissioner Manfred hinted that similar leadership roles may be announced for other young stars in different markets.

“The game is changing,” he said. “And players like Royce Lewis are going to lead us into that new era — not just with talent, but with heart and vision.”

Final Thoughts: A Franchise and League Uplifted

In an age where sports headlines are too often dominated by contracts, controversies, and off-field drama, Royce Lewis’s appointment as Senior Team Ambassador and Franchise Leader stands out as a beacon of hope and positivity — the kind of story that reminds us why we love baseball in the first place.

For Minnesota fans, it’s a reaffirmation that the future is bright.

For the league, it’s a bold move toward putting character, leadership, and community impact at the center of its evolution.

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