Gloves for All

2025 was a whirlwhind year, representing a record breaking year in terms of impact - kids served, pieces of equipment donated, and total value of outbound equipment grants. We could not have the reach and impact without the generosity of caring baseball and softball fans who support our mission. We are proud to share the following results, including nearly 35,000 gloves donated!

Kids Served: 174,204

Value of Equipment: $4,670,489.66

Pieces of Equipment: 161,228

Total Projects: 1,144

Projects in USA 1,048

International Projects: 96

States: 44

Countries: 22

Gloves: 33,156

IMPACT STORIES:

Julia, Pacifica HS | Oaxnard, CA

One of our main pitchers, 16-year-old Julia, had a glove that was quite worn out and often had to borrow gloves from other players. With the donation from PIFBS, Julia was gifted a glove of her own. Just having a glove that was the right size that she could keep as her own, really boosted her confidence and morale. Julia began to feel much more comfortable on and off the field. With her newfound confidence, she started playing significantly better. Her improved performance boosted the morale of the entire team, reminding everyone of the importance of having equipment that you can call your own.

Adam, Sullivan HS | Sullivan, IN

The donation of a high-quality outfielder's glove and full gear could not have come at a better time for Adam as he was making this transition. Having proper equipment boosted his confidence tremendously. Feeling confident in his glove made him more aggressive in the outfield going after hard hit balls. The new bat, cleats and other gear allowed him to perform at his best. Adam's combination of tremendous work ethic, coachability and athletic talent enabled him to develop at a remarkable pace this season. Getting equipped with quality baseball gear was the final piece that allowed this once shy, doubtful player to truly come into his own on the field.

Founded in 2005, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) believes in the power of sport to contribute to positive youth development and build community. PIFBS exists to remove equipment as a barrier to participation for underprivileged children around the world. PIFBS serves as an intermediary and connector between fans of the game, industry leaders, and the broader community to the kids who need the support the most. Over the past 20 years, PIFBS has donated $35 million in equipment to help more than 2.2 million children play ball in every state in the U.S. and 119 countries globally.

PIFBS has averaged 1,000 projects each year, removing equipment as a barrier to play for nearly 150,000 kids play ball annually through the following programs:

• Domestic and International Equipment Grants – These grants are a blend of new and used equipment and designed to help leagues, teams, and community organizations around the globe receive the proper equipment to play baseball and softball. 
• School-Based Program – Launched in 2008, our School-Based Program helps schools/districts stretch limited budgets, reduce participation fees, and shift funds to other areas, such as transportation. PIFBS delivers formal School-Based Programs in Philadelphia, Northern Kentucky, and Minneapolis/St. Paul as well as dozens of individual schools both domestically and abroad.
• Disaster Relief Program – In times of tragedy, baseball and softball can help restore a sense of normalcy for children amidst the chaos. PIFBS has helped rebuild entire leagues so that thousands of kids can start their seasons on time. PIFBS has assisted with relief efforts on the New York/New Jersey shoreline following Hurricane Sandy; Joplin, MO; the Gulf Coast region; Japan; Houston; Puerto Rico; and more.
• Targeted Programs – PIFBS receives works with partners and industry leaders to support children in need in communities of interest. PIFBS manages all components including identifying groups in need of equipment when appropriate, program development, and measuring impact based on partners’ charitable interests. Some current partners include Major League Baseball, Little League, the MLB/MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, and Wilson Sporting Goods.

Each equipment recipient completes a report detailing the impact of the donation on the program and participants.

Equipment is more expensive than ever; following the pandemic, leagues migrated to requiring players to come equipped with individual gear (glove, bat, helmet, backpack, fielders masks for softball, etc.) which is on average of $250 per person. Compacted with rising registration costs, the game is more expensive than ever to access. The 2024 participation reports published by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) demonstrate that less than 30% of baseball/softball participants are from diverse communities and about 25% are families who live below the federal poverty line. These two data points are indicators that cost of the game is challenging for families to access, making it even more imperative for PIFBS to leverage the resources available to best support these groups.

With the support of donors like you, PIFBS was able to achieve the following from February 1 through May 31, 2025:

• Over $2.8 million in equipment donated
• More than 109,000 children served
• Equipment distributed globally:
• 15 nations around the world
• 39 of 50 states within the United States

Thank you for believing in our mission and caring about helping to reduce barriers to play so that all kids can play this game we love!

Links:

• PIFBS Website