In February, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball announced a partnership with Baseball Lifestyle 101, a retail site for baseball lifestyle apparel and accessories.
Located in Farmingdale, New York, Baseball Lifestyle 101 solicited donations of baseball or softball equipment, which would then be delivered to PIFBS to help spread the game to kids around the world.
After a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Baseball Lifestyle 101’s Bill Rom and Josh Shapiro made the trip to PIFBS’ headquarters in Harleysville, PA on July 20th.
“We were looking forward to giving back to the baseball community. We as a company believe in giving,” Rom said.
“When we heard about Pitch In For Baseball & Softball, it became an opportunity for us to say, ‘How do we help kids who don’t have the ability to play the game that we obviously love?’”
Baseball Lifestyle 101 asked its supporters to mail in their extra equipment or stop by their headquarters to donate in person in exchange for a gift from the company. Rom estimated that Baseball Lifestyle 101 had compiled a few hundred pieces of equipment, including donations from Adidas, to provide to PIFBS.
These items included baseballs, bats, bags, brand new Adidas cleats, baseball pants, t-shirts, and more.
Rom said his company learned about the work that PIFBS does while researching nonprofits, inspiring them to give back to communities across the country.
“(Baseball) became such a global sport and it’s brought so many people together,” Rom said.
“I think it’s important because it puts kids in an environment where they’re being on a team, they’re having to learn to work together, understanding differences between each kid, what their specialties are. Knowing how you fit in on a team and how you can help the entire team move forward.”
Baseball Lifestyle 101 will continue to accept baseball and softball donations on behalf of PIFBS. Those interested in donating in the New York-area can do so in person at their headquarters (55 Central Ave, Unit-O Farmingdale, NY 11735) during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.