Pitch in to Play
Working directly with Little Leagues in need in order to keep our national pastime affordable and accessible
Our
Mission
Our mission is to provide baseball analytical tools and equipment from Bergen County, NJ directly to underserved communities in the outer boroughs of New York City; to raise awareness through equipment drives and research on the growing income disparities that are limiting youth participation in the great sport of baseball; America’s pastime has become unaffordable.
Our
Inspiration
Although just a bridge away, the income disparity between Bergen County, NJ and NYC outer boroughs can be substantial. Youth sports programs have found themselves without basic equipment due to a lack of funding and crime. I came across a News12 story on how a Little League Baseball storage unit in The Bronx was frequently vandalized stealing everything in between generators to candy. I rallied my High School and community to donate over 100 pieces of baseball equipment and a gas generator to keep this Bronx Little League operational. There are many situations where we can supply baseball equipment directly to young players in need. This situation in The Bronx inspired me to take action, come join me to make a difference!
Founder's
Note
The day I met Coach Dean Ricks in The Bronx to deliver baseball equipment and generator is a day I will hardly forget. His kindness and level of appreciation for the donated goods was very special. Once we were finished moving everything into the storage units, I watched Coach Ricks proceed to secure the League’s equipment through a number of industrialized sized chains and locks to prevent repeated theft - I grew up just 15 miles away but this Little Leagues situation was noticeably very different to mine. From my research, youth baseball participation has seen a steady decline while baseball equipment costs & specialized training are the highest amongst youth sports. In conversation, I learned first hand the increasing difficulties to keep a baseball program going. There are many in NYC like Coach Ricks that are providing children with all the mental and physical benefits of sports. If you live in Bergen County and would like to help nearby NYC communities with Little League Baseball, please reach out to Pitch in to Play!
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- Eric Nam