Gloves for All

In 2018, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) helped 100,000 kids around the globe get on the field through more than 600 projects, thanks to the generous support of our donors.  We donated a record number of gloves - 15,000 - enabling us to have a greater impact on children and programs.  Funding for gloves allowed PIFBS to shift funds to assist recipients with exceptional hardship with shipping costs.  Below are some examples of children and programs that benefitted:

- INDIANA: Over the past several years, the Kimmell Baseball/Softball league has only had the budget for one softball team. In 2018, they had an overwhelming interest in the softball program with 23 girls coming out for the team, including Madisynn.  Because of the donation from PIFBS, Kimmell Softball was able to shift funds around allowing them to purchase what they needed to form an    additional team. Madisynn, along with a handful of other girls, got to play softball for the first time and their coaches say they are all loving the game.

- PHILADELPHIA: After immigrating to Philadelphia from the Dominican Republic, Christopher, Yanelis, and Kevin found that even though they didn’t speak the same language, what they had in common with their new peers was their love of baseball. The donation from PIFB enabled all of the boys to have the gear they needed to play ball. Their experience playing on the team has helped them learn English and feel connected to the team and feel a sense of community.

- JAMAICA: At the beginning of the season, Glenmore had never picked up a baseball before. He joined the RuJohn Foundation in 2018 to try it out and have fun. Glenmore picked up the sport very quickly, becoming a standout shortstop and even earning the title of MVP at one of the clinics that the RuJohn Foundation hosts each year. Being able to learn the game with the proper equipment made a lasting impact on all of the children as it is hard to come by in Jamaica. 

- PHILIPPINES: Michaela, Nice, and Alyka were not interested in softball during their first year of high school. When they heard the team needed additional players, they decided to tryout and made the team! They bring a positive attitude to the field each day and the game taught them discipline. All of the girls focus on their studies, resulting in increased  attendance and grades at school. They lead the team in character development and  punctuality in practice.

Links:

• 2018 Annual Report