Manny Machado had been one of the Padres¡¯ most active and involved players in the community since his arrival in San Diego in 2019. This year, Manny has taken his leadership in the San Diego community to a new level.

The Peter Seidler Legacy Projects were created in December 2023, and Manny was on board instantly with one of the initiatives that was very near and dear to Peter¡¯s heart: helping those suffering from homelessness. The San Diego Rescue Mission South County Light House is a shelter that offers men, women and families, personal, trauma-informed care to help them take their next critical steps toward ending their homelessness. Manny has been instrumental in funding personally and motivating the development of this vital community resource, ensuring that Peter¡¯s vision endures and impacts countless lives.

The Padres and Manny created a new program this year to address the school district¡¯s No. 1 problem -- chronically low attendance rates. Low attendance hurts in two ways: 1. Students in the most underserved areas have the lowest attendance rates; 2. School funding from the State of California is tied to attendance rates. The ¡®Be A Pro and Always Go¡¯ campaign throughout the San Diego Unified School District was created to increase attendance with the help of Manny¡¯s encouragement. Manny¡¯s promise to visit the underserved elementary school with the greatest improvement in attendance and provide game tickets to the entire school incentivized schools around the county. As a result, the attendance rates improved by nearly 5 percent countywide, triggering significant increases in state funding, particularly with schools in areas of need.

In 2022, Manny created ¡°Manny¡¯s Hot Corner¡± which he continues to build on each year. This initiative surprises disadvantaged children from different schools, organizations and clubs throughout San Diego and Baja California with an experience of a lifetime. Children watch batting practice, meet Manny and his teammates, and receive lunch and tickets for them and their families, and a customized shirt and hat. With several of these throughout the season, Manny speaks to the youth about the importance of committing to education, good behavior and continuing to dream big.

Manny and his family have made San Diego their home and have rooted themselves in the local community. Even after the season ends, he is still out in San Diego giving back. Last December, Manny surprised 110 Porter Elementary School students at a school assembly -- and gifted them each a new bike and safety helmet. The school enrolls 76% economically-disadvantaged students. For most of these children, it was their first-ever bicycle.

Manny¡¯s commitment to giving back extends beyond San Diego. During the Padres¡¯ series in Seoul, South Korea, in March, Manny led a contingent of Padres players to join local favorite Ha-Seong Kim at a Padres baseball clinic. He did the same in 2023 during the Mexico City series. Manny engaged with young athletes by sharing his passion for the game and encouraging them to continue working hard. His presence and mentorship provided invaluable inspiration to these aspiring players, reinforcing the global reach of Major League Baseball.

Even as he navigates the new challenges and joys of fatherhood, Manny has managed to find time to launch his own foundation, Team Machado - The Sky¡¯s the Limit. This foundation aims to support underprivileged youth in San Diego, Miami and the Dominican Republic. One favorite event that Manny has been hosting the last four years provides backpacks and school supplies to foster children in Citrus Family Care Network and South Florida Foster and Adoptive Parent Association. Manny¡¯s ability to balance his personal life with such significant community involvement is a testament to his commitment.

Manny Machado has become a favorite player in San Diego -- not just for what he does on the field, but also for his positive impact in the community. He is following in the footsteps of former Padres and previous national Clemente Award recipients Tony Gwynn Jr. and Trevor Hoffman with leadership and commitment to making a better community.