Excitement buzzed through San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House on January 31 with the arrival of Padres players, coaches, and front office staff. For families staying at the House while caring for a hospitalized child, the visit offered a powerful emotional lift. Young fans donned Padres gear and lit up at the chance to meet their heroes. Even families unfamiliar with quintessential American game of baseball couldn’t help but be swept up in the excitement.
The Padres team—including starting pitcher Yu Darvish—served lunch, posed for selfies, and spent quality time connecting with families. Their kindness created smiles in a place where smiles are often hard to come by. As Yu Darvish shared, “It means so much to me and my family to be able to support the Ronald McDonald House and the many children and families that benefit from their services.”
The Padres’ commitment to Ronald McDonald House runs deep. From supporting the original House built in 1980 and our expanded facility in 2017, to rallying behind the annual Red Shoe Day fundraiser and inviting families to unforgettable game-day experiences at Petco Park, the team’s impact has been profound.
In the words of Padres CEO Erik Greupner: “The Padres are proud longstanding supporters of the Ronald McDonald House and its mission to offer an uplifting environment for children and families enduring health challenges. Through our partnership, it is our hope that the Padres’ contribution will continue to provide a ray of light for families during a critical period of adversity.”
Now, that legacy continues in a powerful new way. As part of the Peter Seidler Legacy Projects, the Padres Foundation and Yu Darvish are funding a special gift: the Padres Clubhouse at the Ronald McDonald House. Designed by the Padres’ own graphic design team, this vibrant space will offer children and families a playful escape modeled after the iconic Petco Park experience.
“The Padres Clubhouse at Petco Park provides a comfortable and enjoyable space for players and is considered our ‘home away from home,’ so it is special to be able to replicate that environment for families at Ronald McDonald House with their own Padres Clubhouse,” remarked Yu.
The visiting team got a sneak peek at the Clubhouse’s progress during their January visit. A formal ribbon-cutting celebration is slated for later this summer.
“The Clubhouse represents the Padres’ ongoing commitment to youth health and wellness,” said Chuck Day, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. “It will create much-needed moments of joy and relief for families facing unimaginable challenges.”
He went on to thank the Padres for their long-standing partnership with the Ronald McDonald House and for everything they do to help bring healing to the families staying there.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 31:
The San Diego Padres volunteer during for the 2025 Thank You Tour at the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego, California Friday, January 31, 2025. (Photos by Armond Feffer/San Diego Padres)
June 2025 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
