He's a positive force for Twins, and he's helping kids 'never, ever give up'

This story was excerpted from Matthew Leach’s Twins Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

It’s not unusual to see a Major League player who dedicates time and money to a cause close to his heart. But when that player has been committed to that cause since he was in high school, that stands out.

Royce Lewis, the 26-year-old third baseman for the Twins, has been giving time and more recently raising money for The Jessie Rees Foundation, more commonly known as NEGU (“never, ever give up”) since he was a 15-year-old playing baseball at JSerra Catholic High School in Southern California. Since the first time he heard about the organization and its mission, he’s wanted to help.

“Our baseball coach, Brett Kay, he did a really good job in showing us how to become men in this world,” Lewis said. “We did a whole bunch of charitable stuff. And one of the groups we worked with was NEGU, which is, children’s cancer, trying to prevent that and fight that as best we can. That just hit home with me because I love kids. I think that’s where it really got started. I really enjoyed the work we were doing to help out.”

As Players’ Weekend 2025 arrives, players around MLB are taking the opportunity to show what makes them who they are away from the ballpark. They’re showing their outside interests and their dearest causes, and showing appreciation to the people who help them to be where they are.

It doesn’t take long around Lewis to understand why NEGU in particular resonated with him as a cause. He’s relentlessly positive, bringing cheer to the clubhouse and just about anyone who comes into it.

And the foundation is named for Jessie Rees, who even as she was fighting cancer dedicated her time and energy to making life better for other kids in her situation. Jessie, who passed away in 2012, created what are now known as JoyJars, 64-ounce plastic jars filled with safe toys and games for kids fighting cancer. It’s that selflessness, even in such a tough spot, that inspired Lewis, who never met Jessie but still draws greatly from her story.

“During her fight, she’s the one who started this whole JoyJars and giving to other kids and making sure that everyone else is happy,” he said. “That’s why they wanted to create that foundation. And like she said, she never wanted to ever give up. I think her story hits home, because there’s so many kids going through this that shouldn’t be.”

So what started with making visits and giving time has grown as Lewis’ platform has grown. Most recently, he hosted a kids baseball camp last summer to raise money and awareness for the organization.

Lewis, coach Kay and other members of the JSerra coaching staff brought in about 85 kids to give them baseball instruction but also attempt to instill some of those selfless values as well. It was the first edition, and plans are underway for a second.

“It went really good,” Lewis said. “We had about 85 kids show up paid, and then we had a few extras that we wanted to give our time to and help out. Help them enjoy the game of baseball, but also teach them about what it’s like to give back. Because it’s always about giving back to others, giving our time and energy for others. So for me, it was awesome. And I think the kids had a great time.”

It’s not just Royce Lewis who participates, either. It’s a family affair. Lewis often wears a HumilityChain, handmade by his mother Cindy. The chains are sold to benefit NEGU, with all proceeds being donated. His dad joined him at the camp. His giving spirit was instilled in him from an early age.

“I’m able to be happy and healthy, it’s always a good life regardless,” he said. “Just being blessed with that opportunity, I think you can spread a light no matter where you are and who you are in this world. As long as you’re doing it to be kind to others and giving your time, which is I think the most important thing we have on this earth, is providing time for others. It’s huge. It means a lot. Doing little things like that every day. Anything. You don’t have to be going to a charity event. Just be kind to those around you.”