The Father’s Heart Ranch, for abused & abandoned 6 – 12 yr old boys, started by former AL All Star Albie Pearson
Baseball is so much more to the American way of life than just entertainment. It has provided numerous ways to benefit families and the community. Whether it’s through the personal foundation of your favorite baseball player, or just a local baseball field that brings the community together, this page is meant to connect baseball charities with those who want to support them.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is true to the best of our knowledge, and should not be used in place of personal due diligence on the charities or non-profits you choose to support.
We are continuing to add new charities to this page. You can be notified of important additions to the site if you subscribe for our email updates. – Doug Bernier
Highlights – Player Foundations and Charities
High Socks for Hope — David and Erin Robertson
The David and Erin Robertson Foundation is dedicated to assisting those affected by the tornadoes in Tuscaloosa and throughout the state of Alabama. The foundation strives to lend support to charities and organizations helping those who suffered loss and were affected by this tragedy.
- Founded by: Erin and David Robertson (Pitcher for the New York Yankees)
- Geographic area: Alabama
- Website: highsocksforhope.com
- Facebook: Like the Fanpage
The Father’s Heart Ranch — Albie and Helen Pearson
Father’s Heart Ranch is a group home for abused and neglected boys, ages 6 – 12 years old. The children are provided a safe and stable home environment for them so that they can heal from the abuse they have endured.
Recommended: Check out this great article about Albie and the Father’s Heart Ranch
- Founded by: Helen and Albie Pearson (Former outfielder for Angels and Orioles)
- Geographic area: Alabama
- Website: thefathersheartranch.org
- Facebook: Like the Fanpage
Hudson Family Foundation — Kim and Tim Hudson
The Hudson Family Foundation is committed to making a positive and long lasting impact in the lives of children who have a genuine need for assistance with regard to a specific physical, emotional or financial circumstance.
Philosophy. Our Foundation is based on our Christian values and our strong belief that we should be thankful for our many blessings and give back to those in need.
Manner. We will raise funds through an initial personal investment, personal donors, grants, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.
- Founded by: Kim and Tim Hudson (Starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves)
- Geographic area: Georgia and Alabama
- Website: HudsonFamilyFoundation.com
- Inquiries: info@hudsonfamilyfoundation.com
- Facebook: Like the Fanpage
Foundation for Children with Cancer – Jalyn’s Chapter — Lesley and Tike Redman
“We felt a calling to take our family’s negative situation and turn it into blessings for others. Knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of families in our community, is really what it is all about .” – Lesley and Tike Redman (former center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles)
- Recommended by: Lesley and Tike Redman (former center fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles)
- Executive Director: Lesley Redman
- Website: Childrenwithcancer.org/about-us/chapter-offices/
- Address: N78 W14573 Appleton Ave #210; Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
- Phone: 414-550-5847
- Email: Lesley@childrenwithcancer.org
In 2009, our oldest daughter, Jalyn, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. (bone cancer) The journey that our family endured during Jalyn’s treatment was life changing for us. She is now 2 years cancer free and is an inspiration to her friends and family.
Seeing firsthand the financial burden that is placed on a family of a child battling cancer, we knew we needed to do something to make a difference. We opened a local chapter of a national non- profit organization , Foundation for Children with Cancer – Jalyn’s Chapter. We raise funds to help the families of children battling cancer with their financial needs. We are able to raise funds anywhere in the country, as we work with Children’s Hospitals all across the nation.
Last year we were proud to partner with our Milwaukee Brewers wives as they hosted the 2011 Grand Slam Golden Mixer at Dave and Buster’s. Fans came out to meet the players and their wives while enjoying food, games and an afternoon of fun. We are hopeful to repeat last year’s efforts and raise the bar of proceeds raised.
[/learn_more] [learn_more caption=”Beast Mode for Christ — Juan and Liz Pierre”]Juan Pierre is passionate to share about the Lord and his own personal testimony of finding hope. All proceeds are donated to charity from his website and sales of Beast Mode for Christ items like T-shirts and wrist bands.
- Founded by: Liz and Juan Pierre (outfielder for Miami Marlin)
- Headquarters: South Florida
- Website: BeastmodeforChrist.com
- Facebook: Like the Fanpage
Juan Pierre is also the MLB leader for stolen bases. Check out Pierre’s pro tips for base stealing.
[/learn_more]Baseball Charities and Non-Profits
| Charity | Description | Geographical reach |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Baseball Foundation | “Providing the opportunity for these hungry kids to learn baseball, but more importantly life lessons. The coaches have done a great job of mentoring and teaching these kids. We provide bats balls uniforms,helmets and money so kids can travel and compete in other cities as well as out of the country.” – Mike Toomey, Founder and current Special Assistant to the KC Royals General Manager | Columbia |
| Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities | Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is a youth outreach program designed to increase participation and interest in baseball and softball and encourage the value of teamwork. Find a league near you | US |
| Pitch In for Baseball | Provides equipment and other support for young players in the US, the Pacific Rim and Latin America; promotes the growth of baseball in the US and abroad; Accepted donations include new and gently worn baseball equipment or monetary support | US and Pacific Rim and Latin America |
| SCORE Int. | Using baseball to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. SCORE has baseball academies in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, and does extensive ministry in Argentina. Short term baseball missions trips. | Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Argentina |
| Gloves 4 God | Gloves 4 God travels to the Dominican Republic several times a year to repair gloves, distribute gloves, and tell people about Jesus; Accepted donations include new and gently worn baseball gloves or monetary support | Dominican Republic |
| Roberto’s Kids | Roberto’s Kids is an international non profit organization named after Roberto Clemente. Our mission is social responsibility through baseball. We collect new and gently worn baseball equipment from the US and Canada and distribute it to disadvantaged youth in Latin American countries, the US and around the World. We started in 1999 with one single donation, and last year we shipped over 40 tons of equipment to thousands of children in need in the US, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. | US and International |
| Harlem RBI | Harlem RBI is a unique, year-round sports, educational, and enrichment program located in East Harlem, New York. | Harlem, NY |
| Pro Athletes Outreach | We conduct Christ-centered programs and conferences to equip professional athletes, coaches and their families to make a positive impact in the world for Jesus Christ. | US |
| Youk’s Kids, Athletes for Heros | Founded by Red Sox’ Kevin Youkilis – Youk’s Kids new program, Athletes for Heroes brings together professional athletes from each of New England’s sports teams to support the children of fallen or severely injured firefighters, police officers, military men and women as well as courageous citizens who risk their life to save another’s. With funding provided by Youk’s Kids, these children will be able to gain the confidence and camaraderie that Kevin experiences as a team player as well as be provided with opportunities for positive role modeling and mentoring. | |
| Little League Baseball | Little League Baseball’s mission is to promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist… those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball. Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the Little League is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes. Since its inception, Little League has grow to nearly 200,000 teams, in all 50 U.S. states and more than 80 countries. | International |
| Challenged Athletes Foundation | Raising money to help people with physical disabilities pursue an active lifestyle | US |
| Front Row Foundation | Our mission is to help individuals and families who are braving critical health challenges “experience life in the front row.” We do this by providing front row seats to concerts, sporting events and live performances of our recipients’ choice. Through the generosity of many, we create magical moments that positively affect the mind, body, and spirit of each person involved, including our sponsors and event organizers | US |
| Special Olympics Oklahoma | Special Olympics is a sports training and competition program for persons with intellectual disabilities. | OK |
| The Perfect Game Foundation | The Perfect Game Foundation works with those who aspire to a business career in baseball by providing mentorship along with financial assistance for internships and courses of study in sports. | |
| Allegheny Valley Baseball Club | Summer baseball team in Western PA. “We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and we require our players to participate in our community service initiatives.” | Western PA |
| Josh Gibson Foundation | Our cornerstone is the improvement of the lives of young people….Through exposure to life skills coaching and educational support, the Josh Gibson Foundation has become an instrument for positive change in the Pittsburgh community; | Pittsburgh |
| The Miracle League | The Miracle League is a baseball program for children and adults with special-needs played on an all-accessible field. The program has local leagues all over the country. | Check for your local chapter |
| All-American Girls Pro Baseball League Players Assoc | The AAGPBL is a 501C3 charity dedicated to keeping alive the legacy of the women who made history playing professional baseball, and inspired the movie A League of Their Own. Currently, the AAGPBL is fundraising for their 2013 reunion. Purchase the “Wrigley Field Tin” 70th anniversary of the AAGPBL edition using the promo code AAGPBL and a portion of your purchase from Cooperstown Cookies is donated to the AAGPBL reunion. | |
| The Cure Baseball | Using baseball to fight cancer. A summer collegiate baseball team will travel the United States, playing other summer collegiate teams, and have every game act as a cancer fundraiser…dedicated to providing financial, emotional and moral support to people and families affected by cancer | |
| Hudson Family Foundation | Committed to making a positive and long lasting impact in the lives of children who have a genuine need for assistance with regard to a specific physical, emotional or financial circumstance. Founded by Kim and Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves Pitcher | |
| Perfect 10 Charity | A Christian, faith-based 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization established by Major League Baseball star and Texas native Vernon Wells and his wife, Charlene, to support and protect homeless children and single mothers. | |
| I am Jaden | A pediatric stroke awareness foundation that sells wristbands to raise funds in order to raise awareness about pediatric strokes and Hemiplegia (a neurological condition that weakens one side of the body) because affected children often don’t get the therapy that could help them due to misdiagnosis. Founded by Sean Lomas, who has a young son that was stricken by a stroke during birth. He is a great kid and loves baseball as much as any kid can. | |
| The Good in Sports | Positive Sports Media – a non-profit organization devoted to educating the public about the positive influence athletics has on the community, while encouraging, promoting and engaging in philanthropic activities in professional and collegiate athletics. | |
| Purpose Driven Baseball | The mission of Purpose Driven Baseball is to equip and train young men not only for the sport of baseball but more importantly for LIFE with Purpose. We feel that our purpose in life is rooted in, established by and sustained through a personal relationship with Christ. Through Purpose Driven Baseball camps and clinics, players will receive baseball instruction, but more importantly, players will be exposed to lessons beyond the sport – valuable life lessons and character building.The funds generated through donations and camps will be used to fulfill the mission of Purpose Driven Baseball here and around the world. Purpose Driven Teams and Coaches have conducted clinics and have competed in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Italy & Hungary. | |
| Indie movie | Middle Aged and Still Semi-Pro is an independent film being created by the Hawkeye Farms Foundation, The first is a story which occurs around baseball entitled MIDDLE AGED AND STILL ONL with a portion of proceeds going to appropriate youth sports organizations | |
| The Blizzard Foundation | The Blizzard Foundation is a nonprofit devoted to empowering baseball players around the Midwest to be outstanding community members. Our mission is carried out through various interactions within the community, as well as teaching life lessons through the game of baseball. | US – Midwest |
The Good in Sports offers a more comprehensive list of MLB players’ charities. I hope this list of baseball charities and non-profits has been helpful for you. Feel free to contact us if you know of a baseball charity that should be added to the list. – Sarah Bernier
8 Comments
Baseball Miracles, Inc. is another great baseball nonprofit that provides an introduction, instruction, and equipment to underserved youths across the world. The website is baseballmiracles.org and has deep ties to Major and Minor League Baseball. The founder John Tumminia is a former White Sox Scout and Clint Hurdle, former Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a Board of Advisor member and extremely active team member. Please let me know if we can be added to the list!!
We have a non profit organization called MVP4Life. MVP4Life is a non profit organization that teaches youth life skills through the game of baseball. MVP4Life youth participate in a comprehensive program of baseball and life skills training that promote the physical, educational, and life skills necessary to prepare them for leadership in their community and success in their personal lives.
MVP4Life developed a comprehensive set of programs incorporating the MVP4Life’s HOMERUNS Life Skills Curriculum. These programs provide constructive activities of life skills to ensure success in school, in the community, and in life.
Programs
Major components of our program include:
School Programs—
“If it is to be…It is up to me” principle is instilled in students as they progress through MVP4Life’s HOMERUNS Life Skills Curriculum.
Handle Diversity, Overcome Challenges, Make Good Decisions, Embrace Others,
Responsibility and Respect, Understand and Accept Situations, Nurture Self Esteem/Handle Failure, and
to Stay Calm and Focused on Personal Goals. (Our “HOMERUNS” skills set.)
Corn Belt League—
Collegiate Players sharpen their skills amongst fierce competition in their off-season. In exchange for playing in the league, players mentor youth and instill the work ethic it takes to be a student athlete.
Youth Camps and Leagues—
Participants receive instruction in a clinic setting and practice skills in team format play. MVP4Life’s HOMERUNS Life Skills Curriculum is integrated throughout the program and instructors routinely demonstrate how these skills apply to situations in all aspects of life.
Coaches Clinics—
MVP4Life strives to educate area coaches with clinics to provide them with the baseball and life skills it takes to be successful with their teams.
Hello- Doug and Sara- I am Lorraine Carrier along with Mark Hornbaker and Paul Pasi Samela we are the Goodwill Ambassadors for The Gurkha Crew-Club Baseball in Laltipur, Nepal. This is a group of boys ages 12-17, Who along with their founder Dinesh Bajagain are promoting baseball for the first time in Nepal. Mr. Bajagain has done magazine, newspaper and radio interviews about the club and has created a safe haven where the boys can learn the sport and be kept away from drugs and crime. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and I am raising funds for them on The West Coast (they have a Go Fund Me page) and Mark has worked with Pitch In For Baseball to send them needed equipment from the East Coast of USA, Paul is helping in Finland. This is a start but they still are in need. If you could please help us! Thank you.
Hi – I Lorraine Carrier, along with Mark Hornbaker and Paul Pasi Samela are the Goodwill Ambassadors for The Gurkha Crew-Club Baseball in Laltipur, Nepal. This is a group of boys ages 12-17 who a long with their founder Dinesh Bajagain are promoting baseball for the first time in Nepal. Mr. Bajagain has done magazine, newspaper and radio interviews about the club and he has created a safe haven where the boys can learn the sport and be kept away from drugs and crime. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and I am trying to raise funds for them here in California ( they have a Go Fund Me page) Mark working along with Pitch In For Baseball has sent needed equipment to them from the East Coast and Paul is helping in Finland. This is a great start but they still need la lot of help. If you or another organization can help that would be great. The club has a face book page and you can also contact Mr. Bajagain at his face book page as well.
Created by the Rotary Club of Denver, the Branch Rickey Award is a nationally prestigious and coveted honor that recognizes professionals in Major League Baseball for exceptional community service.
The award was named in honor of Branch Rickey, known to millions of fans as “Mr. Baseball” who was voted “Most Influential Person in Sports in the 20thCentury” by ESPN’s SportsCentury panel.
For more information and to nominate your choice for the 2014 award, visit our website.
Doug & Sarah,
I would like to introduce you to the Sons of Baseball Foundation!
The easiest way to describe what we do is that we are like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, except our only focus is Baseball!
In 2012 we provided our firs MVP Experience (our version of Make-A-Wish) for Nathan and his family with the Angels. Our goal last year was to provide 5 MVP Experiences and we completed 14! Our goal for this year is 20 and we are on pace to do that. We currently work with 11 MLB teams, one Triple A team (Salt Lake Bees – Angels), and my alma mater, the University of Utah where I finished my baseball career.
We received our 501(c)3 last summer and continue to gain a tremendous amount of support from those passionate about helping children through baseball.
Here is a link from our new website (not live yet) that will help you better understand what we do.
https://eric-wallace-7ls8.squarespace.com/home-2/
Thank you in advance for reviewing this information.
Best regards,
Eric Wallace
President – Sons of Baseball Foundation
Iamjayden.com is a wonderful baseball based charity for the Pediatric Stroke Foundation. My sons coach who was a college Allstar and is currently the Area Scout for the KC Royals and East Coast Director for Rawlings Baseball has a young son that was stricken by a stroke during birth. He is a greal kid and loves baseball as much as any kid can. Please consider placing IamJayden.com on your baseball charity list. Thanks, James Elkins
James,
Thank you very much for letting me know about the charity. It sounds like a great cause and I would be honored to put that charity on our list. We will take a look at the site and be in touch with them and hopefully have it on our list soon. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Doug Bernier