By Meredith Kim | Chief Operating Officer
In June 2016, massive flooding in West Virginia caused by more than 10 inches of rain within a 24 hour span destroyed thousands of homes and displaced entire communities. Within the destruction, schools were condemned and local youth baseball and softball organizations lost everything including equipment, concession stands, and fields.
Pitch In For Baseball was contacted by groups in West Virginia struggling to make 2017 baseball and softball seasons possible for hundreds of children. In June 2016, massive flooding caused by more than 10 inches of rain within a 24 hour span destroyed thousands of homes and displaced entire communities. Nearly 8 months later, communities in West Virginia are still assessing the damage and working to secure resources to rebuild. Within the destruction, schools were condemned and local youth baseball and softball organizations lost everything including equipment, concession stands, and fields.
With the support of the broader community, the Baseball Center in New York City, and the Tull Foundation, we were able to help all teams replace all of the lost equipment.
Herbert Hoover High School - Baseball and Softball
June's flooding caused so much destruction that district and city officials questioned whether Herbert Hoover High School would be able to open in the fall. FEMA condemned the building and Herbert Hoover High School is operating out of temporary facilities out of the local middle school. Both the baseball and softball teams lost everything - from playing equipment to field equipment to concession stands. PIFB was able to replenish the lost equipment, allowing school officials to focus on securing other essentials.
White Sulphur Little League
White Sulphur Little League’s baseball fields were submerged under 5 feet of water for several weeks. Their equipment shed was swept away and they were unable to salvage anything other than some rakes and shovels. WSLL has 5 teams and includes 60 children between the ages of 5 and 13. PIFB provided 5 team kits to fully rebuild the lost equipment, totaling nearly $9,000. Equipment will be distributed in mid-March.
Clendenin Little League
June's flooding severely damaged Clendenin Little League's field and field house and wiped out all of the equipment. A league of 150 kids and 12 teams were in jeopardy of not having a season. PIFB is in the process of working with Clendenin LL to finalize their equipment needs. In the coming weeks, PIFB will secure the new equipment to rebuild their program and coordinate delivery so that kids can play ball this season.
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