At Bat

Since 2015, our softball and baseball programs have introduced at-risk youth to a sport they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to learn. Sharing the love of the sport and creating opportunities for increased physical and mental health are at the heart of At Bat. And while playing baseball is fun, the impact it has on children’s lives is much bigger than fun and games. Participation in sports positively impacts a child’s physical and mental health while also providing lessons in self-discipline and getting along with others (Ohio University, 2017). And these benefits extend past childhood into adulthood, which is why our mission of giving the 54.5% of children (under 18) below the poverty line in Metro Detroit the opportunity to play baseball is so important. Youth participation in sports is oftentimes hampered by insufficient funds to cover costs of lessons, equipment, and/or even transportation, which is why we work in partnership with local communities and schools to provide affordable programming in communities where youth have least likely participated due to these factors. In addition to alleviating the obstacle of costs, our programs increase accessibility to the sport in spite of the current dearth of African-American major league baseball players. Our mission to introduce baseball to at-risk youth from a young age fosters hope for a better future. Investing in the creation of opportunities for at-risk youth means investing in rebuilding communities and creating a better future, not only for each child who participates in our programs but in the future of our community as a whole.