East Hartford Little League baseball received an equipment grant in 2020 as part of the Matsui55 Foundation funded program. The Matsui 55 Baseball Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization founded by former New York Yankee Hideki Matsui.
Juliana was in her fifth season with EHLL but had been hesitant to try new things. In 2020 she and Jameson teamed up as pitcher and catcher, and they excelled! Thanks to the catcher’s gear, game balls, and catcher’s mitts donated by the Matsui 55 Foundation and PIFBS, and with support from the league’s dedicated coaches, Juliana and Jameson were able to work hard and emerge and great team players.
With the availability of bats, baseballs, and helmets, EHLL was able to gather every Sunday and run drills with all age groups, while still maintaining social distancing. The equipment grant impacted the entire league, as they were able to provide safe equipment that the league otherwise would not have been able to afford. Parents who were nervous about the financial commitment to signing their kids up to play were able to knowing that gear was available for their children to play safely with their teams!
· Years Involved:2020