Brewing a Difference: Randy Dobnak and Insight Brewery Support St. Jude's

The Minnesota Twins signed Randy Dobnak out of Alderson-Broaddus back in 2017. He was an undrafted free agent playing indy ball, and two years later he made a postseason start in New York against the Yankees. That story is well told, but he continues to give back along the way.

Calling Randy Dobnak a self-made millionaire would be putting it mildly. After signing a five-year, $9.25 million contract, Dobnak could have pinched himself. He had pitched ten games during a Covid-shortened 2020 season, and his 4.05 ERA showed he had plenty to offer at the major league level.

Things haven't gone so well since. He has dealt with a substantial finger injury that sapped his effectiveness and saw him post an ERA north of 7.00 across 50 2/3 innings in 2021. He threw just 25 innings last season, all in the minors, and has worked his way back since. There have been bright spots during the 2023 season, and while the Twins have substantial pitching depth, he's looked to be part of that.

Regardless of where Dobnak has been on the field, it's been equally or more impressive what he has done off of it. With his wife, Aerial, the Dobnaks have substantially supported St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Whether selling his mustache t-shirts to raise funds or simply talking about a cause they support so unwaveringly, the Dobnaks and St. Jude's run hand in hand.

As he did a couple of years ago, Randy turned brewmaster for a bit with the help of Insight and now has another way to give back. Selling the "Honey Nut Beerios" honey wheat ale, Insight partnered with the Twins starter to create a unique offering.

Each beer sold generates $1 donated to St. Jude's.

I met with head brewer Sean Carnahan to discuss the new offering and partnership with the Minnesota starter. Having done this once before with the Dobnaks, Carnahan talked about their desire to make more than just great-tasting beer.

"We really enjoy brewing beer with a purpose. Randy and his wife, Aerial, are passionate about beer, but are truly dedicated to St. Jude's and raising funds/awareness whenever possible. They're great folks, fun to be around, so it was really a no-brainer to put a second beer together."

As good as Dobnak is on the mound and as an athlete, he's equally fun to work with behind the scenes. Sean said, "It's a great time. It's a pleasure to work with both him and Aerial. We've done this twice now, and they're always here for a super long time, hanging out, chatting with the team, signing autographs, and helping to brew of course."

This venture isn't just about beer, though, similar to how Dobnak isn't just a pitcher. There is always a greater purpose to everything he ties his name to, and this is no different.

Carnahan is appreciative that there is a deeper purpose here. "Beer is a community, and every chance we have to connect with that community we love to take. The decision to work with St. Jude's came from Randy's history of collaboration and charity work with them, and we were excited to be able to further his work."

Insight Brewery has a beautiful tap room in Northeast and has been among the staples of the Minnesota beer scene. This collaboration couldn't tie two better things together, which isn't lost on Carnahan. "There aren't many things better than beer and baseball, why not enjoy a beer designed by the pitcher you're watching?"

Twins fans can do just that on Monday, August 28. While Honey Nut Beerios is already on tap, the Dobnaks will be at the brewery to launch their newest concoction. You can find them in attendance from 6:00pm-close. Although Dobnak is with the St. Paul Saints in Omaha, they'll be back in town next week, squaring off against Columbus. A trip to the brewery to celebrate the new offering was a must on Monday's off day. Randy will be available for pictures and autographs.

This collaboration was open, too. Dobnak picked the pairing for a purpose. "I've always loved honey. In the past, I have actually tried different kinds of honey or orange flavored beers. Combining the two together made sense and created something smooth and refreshing."

It was a natural idea to work with Insight again after Dobnak created FuMan Bru back in 2021. "They're a local place that is really passionate about what they do and I love that about them. It's a really cool place to just hang out, have some beers, and talk to people or play the various games they have available."

To know Dobnak is to understand the compassionate and servant heart he and his family have. Uber may have been the company he was synonymous with during his debut, but St. Jude's has become his calling card.

"The work St. Jude's does for children that find themselves in their care is such a beautiful thing. It completely takes the burden of having to deal with medical bills stacking up, and lets the parents focus on giving 100% of their attention and love to their child. My wife lost one of her childhood best friends to cancer when they were kids. For us to be able to give back in any ways has been an absolute blessing, and has far exceeded our expectations thanks to everybody who is passionate about the work that they do. To see everybody come together and help each time we have some type of fundraiser has been awesome, and we are thankful to those that have been part of this special journey supporting St. Jude's."

Make sure to get out and try Honey Nut Beerios before it's gone, and find ways to get involved with St. Jude's here. You can find out more about Insight and its offerings here. Grab tickets for the Saints here, including a very special bobblehead giveaway next Tuesday night.

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