Gloves for All

As youth baseball and softball seasons come to a close, it is important for us to reflect on all of the work we have done this year as well as look ahead to all the work still to be done in 2024. In 2023 thus far, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball has provided equipment to over 90,000 underprivileged youth around the world. That is 90,000 kids that no longer have to worry about having the right equipment to play the game they love. It is also 90,000 families that no longer have to worry about how they are going to afford providing these opportunities to their children. Making sure equipment is never a barrier to play is why our operations team works so hard. Through nearly 2,000 grants this year, we have distributed over $9 million worth of equipment across the globe, which has included well over 25,000 gloves. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our loyal donors.  

As a result of the growing needs of programs around the world, primarily due to baseball and softball increasing in popularity while economic hardships continue for many, PIFBS is already planning for what is next in 2024. We are currently in the process of building our inventory to be able to meet the anticipated growth in equipment grant requests next year. In order to reach our goals, we are going to be relying heavily on our industry partners, volunteers, and of course our loyal donors. Without your support, our growth over the last few years would have been possible. We cannot express our gratitude enough for your support and for joining us in our commitment to ensuring equipment is never a barrier to play. We hope you will continue to invest in our mission and support the baseball and softball dreams of youth around the world. Join us today in our efforts to make 2024 the most impactful year yet for PIFBS!

Impact Stories:

MIKID - BULLHEAD CITY, AZ

MIKID is a unique program that supports young children facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, abuse, neglect, PTSD, and more. These children often find it difficult to find opportunities to participate in traditional after-school activities like sports due to their mental health challenges. The MIKID program now uses baseball and softball to help these children improve their mental health, develop a strong work ethic, and learn valuable skills such as communication, accountability, and teamwork. Their PIFBS donation has helped these children improve these areas and learn skills they can use for the rest of their life.

DAYTON HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL - DAYTON, KY

Dayton High School has received equipment for several years as they continue to strengthen their program and provide critical developmental opportunities to their students. For instance, one of their athletes, Kei (17 years old) was in her junior year of high school when her coach learned she was having some troubles at home. Kei had to move during the school year and was trying to juggle school, softball, and working almost full-time. Shortly into the season, Kei's glove strings broke. Her coach was able to loan Kei a glove donated by PIFBS. Kei explained to her coach how much this helped her because she knew her mother wouldn't be able to afford a replacement glove. Softball has helped Kei's attendance and academics in school. She worked incredibly hard on the field, and by the end of the season, she played in the NKY Jr. All-Star Game. This is why our work is so important, because kids like Kei rely on us to have the equipment to succeed.

Links:

• Check Out Our Organizational Video!