On February 27, 2025, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball hosted its annual Philadelphia School-Based Program donation event at its headquarters in Warminster, PA. This inspiring event celebrated 17 years of empowering young athletes and supporting baseball and softball programs across the Philadelphia School District.
A Day to Remember
This year’s event saw Equipment Grants valued at nearly $100,000 distributed to 58 baseball and softball teams across the Philadelphia School District. These grants will not only stretch budgets to cover essential needs but also allow programs to redirect funds to other critical areas such as field rentals and transportation.
“Meeting the incredible coaches from all around Philadelphia and hearing their stories really reminded us why we do this work,” said Meredith Kim, CEO of Pitch In For Baseball & Softball. “The impact we’re able to make together is something truly special.”
For the 2024 program, the numbers speak volumes about the impact:
- 750 student-athletes supported
- 1/3 of participants were first-time players
- 97% of students qualified for free/reduced lunches
- 78% of players improved attendance
- 68% of players improved their grades
The program anticipates even greater outcomes for 2025, aiming to enhance the athletic journeys of over 1,000 student athletes.
Connecting Communities and Changing Lives
Coaches from across the city came together to share how these generous donations are transforming their programs and changing the lives of their players. John Blitzer, Director of Development, captured the sentiment perfectly: “Hearing firsthand from coaches about the positive impact these resources provide is incredibly uplifting. It fuels our passion to keep growing this program.”
Representatives from schools like Northeast High School, Olney High School, George Washington High School, William Bodine High School, and many others attended—athletic directors and coaches who are deeply committed to empowering their teams and players.
“Keep it coming! We need it! You’re truly helping to grow baseball and softball, keeping these kids in the game.” – Barry Strube, Chairman, Philadelphia Public League
Messages like Barry’s underscore the profound impact donor and community support have on young athletes. Every contribution—big or small—creates opportunities, strengthens teams, and helps build environments where students can thrive both on and off the field.
We’re excited to announce that in the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing inspiring videos and heartfelt stories from coaches who are making a real difference in their communities. Follow us on social media to stay connected and hear these incredible accounts firsthand. Together, we celebrate the passion, dedication, and teamwork that make this community truly special.
Looking Ahead
This event reinforced the power of community collaboration and support. We are proud of the collective effort that enables us to bring the love of baseball and softball into the lives of so many young athletes across Philadelphia. Want to get involved or learn more about our mission? Contact us to learn more. Together, we can continue transforming lives through the game we all love!