Uganda baseball–continued success

Many of you may not know that the Little League team from Uganda that qualified for this past year’s Little League World Series, never made the trip to Williamsport due to trouble and challenges obtaining their visas.  They would have been the first team from Africa to ever take the field in Williamsport.  You certainly wouldn’t know that the team Uganda was scheduled to play (Canada) in the Little League World Series recently made a visit to Uganda to play this game.  For what it’s worth, in a game that was delayed almost six months, Uganda beat Canada 2-1.  The outcome itself is immaterial.  What mattered most was that the experience for both the Canadian and Ugandan kids was one they will never forget and for that we should all smile and say “job well done”.

Ugandan Little League players celebrate their 2-1 victory against the Canadian team from Langley, British Columbia. Felix "Abooki" Barugahare is hoisted on his teammates shoulders after scoring the winning run.

The success and passion for baseball in Uganda is truly special and inspiring.  There are many people who deserve credit and there are many folks who get recognized for their role in that success.  Jimmy Rollins and Derrek Lee made the recent trip to Uganda and helped bring much needed attention to the potential of the game in the region.  Ruth Hoffman and her organization Right to Play helped raise the funds that made the trip and playing of the exhibition game possible.  Jay Shapiro and his group are helping to tell the Uganda Baseball story in a beautiful documentary that will hopefully be released later this year.  Richard Stanley is the engine behind much of the growth of Little League in Uganda.  He has put up a tremendous amount of his own money and dedicated years of effort to see things reach this point.  All this is good stuff.

Funny thing is, they wouldn’t be playing much baseball without equipment and most of the equipment they are receiving is from Pitch In For Baseball.  We’ve helped the program in Uganda for the last 5 years.  It is one of the true success on our organization’s resume. While privately we are genuinely thanked from all parties for role we play, when push comes to shove, the attention and the financial resources fall onto other groups for the role they play.  This isn’t sour grapes, this is reality.  Equipment isn’t sexy.  Yet, in the thousands of projects we’ve completed in 7 years and the several hundred thousand kids we’ve impacted, the passion kids feel for baseball would be just a dream without the equipment to make that dream a reality.

Making dreams a reality is what Pitch In For Baseball specializes in.  We invite you to get involved with our organization so you can be part of the joy we help spread both here in the US and around the world.

Pitch In For Baseball® teams with Carl Pavano to record his first save

Ludlow, Vermont–Carl Pavano has appeared in almost 300 games during his 13 major league pitching career, but it’s likely his role in restoring the youth baseball program in Ludlow, VT will earn him his first official “save”.

While millions prepared for, and ultimately dodged a bullet, when Hurricane Irene took aim on the Eastern seaboard this past September, one state that took a direct hit was Vermont.  Historic flooding ensued in towns across the state.  One such town, Ludlow, was deluged by 15 inches of rain from the storm and suffered great losses including its youth baseball program where fields and equipment were effectively washed away.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Carl Pavano makes his offseason home in Ludlow and saw an immediate need to step in.  “Disasters like this effect communities and families for years,” said Pavano. “I have been fortunate enough to have met great people throughout this town. And some of these people have been impacted by this disaster in ways that I could not imagine. I would not know what to do if I was in their position.  I am in a position to help Ludlow restore the things that keep the kids in this town smiling. It was a true team effort.  With the added support of the Major League Baseball Players Trust, the Minnesota Twins Community Fund and Pitch in for Baseball, the town of Ludlow will get the equipment back they lost in this disaster and come spring the fields that were flooded out will be back into shape giving the kids a place to laugh, smile and play.”

Pavano and Ludlow Parks & Recreation Director, Howard Paul reached out to Pitch In For Baseball to see if the youth baseball charity would be able to step in and make sure the waterlogged and missing equipment could be replaced in time for the start of the spring season.  Pitch In For Baseball and Carl Pavano will present that replacement equipment to the league on January 11 at the Ludlow Community Center where the town’s resident Major Leaguer will also conduct a baseball clinic for the local kids.

“The decision to help the community of Ludlow was an easy one,” said David Rhode, Founder and Executive Director of Pitch In For Baseball.  “It was clear from the start that Carl was determined to make this happen.”  Just earlier this year, Pitch In For Baseball had provided equipment to numerous towns across the state of Mississippi impacted by flooding, and to Joplin, MO after tornadoes devastated that community, and most recently in Japan to help kids in schools and Little League programs who lost so much in the historic earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.

“A heart-felt thank you goes out to Carl Pavano and Pitch In For Baseball for helping us to rebuild our youth baseball program after the flood,” commented Howard Paul.  “Baseball is such an important part of our community, so the damage to our fields and loss of equipment was devastating.  Opening day of our baseball season will truly be special this year!”

In addition to its work when Mother Nature impacts a youth baseball community, Pitch In For Baseball works closely with communities around the United States and around the world seeking to help give kids a chance to participate in the games of baseball and softball.

“Much of the equipment we donate—some new, some gently used—is from kids and youth baseball organizations who share our passion for the game.”

Those wanting to support Pitch In For Baseball’s efforts can make a donation of equipment or financial support by going to www.pitchinforbaseball.org.  “We need to build our supply of equipment so that we can continue to say ‘yes’ whenever and wherever the need arises,” said Rhode.

Pitching in 2010

As Pitch In For Baseball continues to spread the love of
the game all over the world, we thought that this would be a great way to keep
everyone connected to the latest Pitch In For Baseball happenings. This blog
will be used to update you with current programs, show you the latest warehouse
happenings, and share the excitement of Pitch In For Baseball across the
web!

As we are now entering July, PIFB has had a very
successful first 6 months to 2010. Here are some of the highlights:

• PIFB has helped 94 programs in over 50 communities in the USA and 17 different countries.
• PIFB shipped its 100,00th piece of equipment since its founding in 2005.
• In December, former MLB shortstop Roy Smalley III was elected President of
  the PIFB board of directors. 
• PIFB continued it’s success as an equipment donation partner with Little
  League Baseball International and MLB’s RBI Program. 

Equipment donation to flood ravaged Nashville

Pitch In For Baseball (www.pitchinforbaseball.org) is sending much needed equipment and uniforms to help children in flood ravaged Nashville, Tennessee get back on the baseball field.

Equipment and uniforms will be leaving our warehouse on Monday to make sure these kids get back on the field quickly and safely.

After we’ve spoken to the director of the RBI program in Nashville, we know exactly what they need.  Their entire storage facility was flooded, so it seems that the items we are sending them will make an important impact on their community in general, but more importantly for the kids there who love to play baseball.

PIFB delivers 100,000th item

Pitch In For Baseball continues to make amazing impact helping kids gain access to the game of baseball.  Recently we celebrated a milestone when we shipped our 100,000th item since our inception.

In other significant news, Roy Smalley III, former Twins All Star is now playing a major role within our organization.  As our recently elected Board President he has vowed to help us grow and help more kids to play this great game.

This recent story on MLB.com fills in more of the details. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20100217&content_id=8085490&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

 

Operation Homerun: Baseball comes to Baghdad

Pitch In For Baseball has had a number of exciting opportunities to help kids around the world over the last 4 years.  However, when we were contacted about the chance to introduce baseball to the children of NW Baghdad, we jumped at the chance.

Working in partnership with the U.S. Military, the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sport and Major League Baseball International, we were able to help share our national pastime with some excited kids in Iraq.

The note we received from our military contacts in Baghdad helps tell the story.

Mr Rhode,

I hope all is well in the States. It was a great day for the “Dagger

Brigade.” This morning Soldiers from D Troop 5/4 Cavalry and A Company

403 Civil Affairs Battalion delivered equipment donated from “Pitch in for

Baseball.” Mr Fahkri, a deputy in the Ministry of Youth and Sport, had

invited about 40 children to the equipment drop off. As part of the

delivery the soldiers gave a quick demonstration of the new equipment that

would be shared by the Northwest Baghdad youth centers. Mr. Fahkri said

that they would be forming a league and we would be invited to the first

exhibition game once they have had enough time to practice. It was a great

opportunity for the soldiers. And while there was some tentative children,

many of them were picking up the game quickly and showed a true interest in

the sport. I’ve collected and attached a bunch of the pictures that were

taken during the distribution. Our public affairs team plans on writing a

story on the event. When they’re finished, we’ll make sure you get a copy

of the article. It was a long process to get the equipment into the hands

of some kids. But interest, by the Youth and Sport personnel and the

children, in making the most of the equipment was very promising. Thank you

so much to your organization and for your personal support for this

endeavor.

 

Very Respectfully,

LT Conor Browne

Assistant Civil Military Operations Officer 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry

Division Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Iraq

 

 

 

From Philippines to Philly

Here is a video that shows some great pictures of kids and places that Pitch In For Baseball has been with donations since 2005.

Missing Harry Kalas

Pitch In For Baseball is a Philadelphia-based organization and I have been a Phillies fan all my life.  Harry Kalas passed away suddenly and sadly today and fans of baseball have lost a true treasure.

He brought us Michael Jack Schmidt’s 500th homer, Jim Thome’s 400th, the 1993 bunch of knuckleheads we loved so much and of course the 2008 World Series Champions.

He broadcast every Phillies game I’ve ever heard and replacing him is truly impossible. 

Fans of Harry and of Pitch In For Baseball have asked if they can make a donation in his honor.  The answer is yes.  Donations can be made securely through Pitch In For Baseball’s website at http://www.active.com/donate/pifb/harrykalas

Donations made in Harry’s honor will be used to further our efforts to help underserved children in the city of Philadelphia and around the world gain access to the games of baseball and softball.

We all knew how special his voice and his passion were for the Phillies.  For this Phillies lifer, I can’t remember a tougher day.

David Rhode

Founder and Executive Director

Pitch In For Baseball
 

Galveston’s Re Opening Day

Galveston, Texas – March 28, 2009 – Not many folks in the Galveston area were thinking about baseball last September when Hurricane Ike pounded the community with storm surge from the Gulf and 120mph winds and rain.  Yet six months after that storm altered the landscape of Galveston, Little Leaguers all around the region are kicking off their season thanks to the fortitude and spirit of countless volunteers and the generosity of a non-for-profit charity from the Philadelphia area called Pitch In For Baseball�.

 

Late in 2005 Pitch In For Baseball joined forces with Little League International to assist Gulf Coast families and leagues affected by the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  When Hurricane Ike came ashore in 2008, Pitch In For Baseball took action.  “It was clear to us from the start that the Little League community in Galveston was a special group of people,” said David Rhode, Executive Director of Pitch In For Baseball.  “We told them that whatever their equipment needs were we would do our best to get them what they needed to play ball in the spring of 2009.”

 

However, the damage was so extensive and impacted so many leagues that understanding the totality of the baseball recovery was a complicated task.  Some leagues lost their fields, fencing and lighting.  Almost all leagues suffered massive losses in their equipment rooms.  This is where a Little League volunteer with an extensive military background took over.  District Administrator, Charlie Sweetin has responsibility for the leagues in the Galveston Gulf Coast area.  “Our league presidents from Galveston Island, Galveston West Isle, Hitchcock, La Marque, League City Seabrook, San Leon, Santa Fe, Texas City and Baytown committed to having a season in 2009.  It was simply a matter of understanding what each league needed and then trying to find some way to fill those needs.”

 

What they didn’t count on was a friend they’ve never met from over 1,500 miles away stepping in to join their team.  “When Pitch In For Baseball contacted us in October to see how they could help, it gave us a tremendous feeling of hope,” said Sweetin.  “The equipment they promised us gave us confidence in realizing our dream to have Opening Day on schedule in the coming spring.”

 

As promised, the equipment showed up…over 2,000 pounds of equipment.  There were pallets of batting helmets, baseballs, catcher’s gear, bats, batting tees and equipment bags.  There were even score books and coaching DVD’s.  Local volunteers sorted the donated items and got them distributed to their respective leagues and coaches in time for the start of practice in February. 

 

” We couldn’t have made a donation of this scale without the generous support of passionate baseball fans around the country who believe in our mission,” said Rhode.   Anyone wishing to support the ongoing relief effort in Galveston can donate equipment or make a financial donation online through the Pitch In For Baseball website at www.pitchinforbaseball.org.

 

Much work still needs to be done.  Lighting, fencing, score boards and other high ticket items are still on the shopping list for many of the area programs.  But for the kids about to taking the field around the Galveston Gulf Coast area, this Opening Day will be one to remember.

 

Zack Hample is snagged

Zack Hample joins the Pitch In For Baseball team

 

New York, NY-Just when the Hot Stove League appeared to be drying up, the dominant player at his position has found his team for 2009.  Zack Hample, the recognized leader of snagging baseballs at MLB ballparks, will be bringing his unique talents to the non profit organization Pitch In For Baseball� during the 2009 season.

 

Zack’s credentials place him at the pinnacle of baseball collectors.  Since 1990, he has grabbed more than 3,800 baseballs at 44 different MLB stadiums.  What makes this season of snagging so different, however, is that Zack will now be using his unparalleled skills to further the mission of youth baseball and softball non profit partner, Pitch In For Baseball www.pitchinforbaseball.org.

 

Zack’s plan is simple.  He will visit various stadiums, snagging baseballs with his usual array of tricks and insights (he can ask for a ball in over 30 languages).  Historically, he has been able to accumulate 200-300 balls per season, including balls from batting practice and live play.  Individuals and corporate partners can pledge any amount of money for each ball he grabs during the 2009 season by visiting www.zackhample.com/charity.php.   

 

Zack’s goal for the season is to raise at least $50,000.  That translates to 1,000 supporters donating 25 cents for a projected 200 balls snagged. Of course, Zack hopes more than 1,000 supporters join the ”Sultan of Snag” and he also hopes to reel in more than 200 balls.

 

“I love baseball and I love kids,” says Zack.  ”Getting to snag baseballs for a charity that combines both is a dream come true.  I can’t wait for Opening Day!”

 

Zack will be opening the season with a trip to Toronto April 6-9 in pursuit of Gary Sheffield’s 500th career home run ball and any other ball he can grab during that series.

 

Pitch In For Baseball collects and redistributes new and “gently used” youth baseball equipment to needy children both here in the U.S. and around the world.  “We are delighted to be able to bring Zack onto our team,” says David Rhode, Executive Director of Pitch In For Baseball.  “His passion and the passion of his many followers provide a unique and fun way for baseball fans to support our charitable mission.”

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About Zack Hample

 

Zack lives in New York City.  He has written two books – How to Snag Major League Baseballs (1999) and Watching Baseball Smarter (2007) – and has a third on the way (2011) about what else? Baseball!

You can watch Zack on YouTube and contact him at zack@zackhample.com. 

 

About Pitch In For Baseball

 

Founded in 2005, Pitch In For Baseball (PIFB) is the central organization for the collection and redistribution of new and gently used youth baseball and softball equipment to underserved communities both in the U.S. and around the world.  PIFB has distributed equipment and uniforms to more than 50 countries worldwide and more than 100 communities around the United States impacting over 60,000 children in need.  Based outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PIFB is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. Contact Executive Director, David Rhode at drhode@pitchinforbaseball.org.