Bringing the Game Back to Philadelphia Students
In February 2026, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) hosted the Philadelphia School-Based Program equipment distribution at Citizens Bank Park—bringing together student-athletes, educators, and community partners for a day centered around access, opportunity, and the game.
Through a $40,000 grant from Phillies Charities, we were able to support our longest-running school program right here in our home community. This funding is part of the Phillies’ charitable giving process, and we are especially grateful to Jon Joaquin for championing youth development efforts through the organization.
A Full Experience at Citizens Bank Park
The day began with a Phillies employee volunteer session in the clubhouse, where team members from across the organization—including Dickie Noles—came together to support the program.
Later, 40 school teams were welcomed into the Diamond Club (the same space where we host our annual Gala) for refreshments, a short program, and equipment distribution. The program also included remarks from a Phillies Charities board member and Barry Strube, Head Athletic Director for Philadelphia schools, who has been connected to this program since its early days in 2008.
In total, the 2026 program delivered more than $100,000 in equipment to these teams, with additional in-kind support from Wilson Sporting Goods, Boombah, and USA Baseball.
For many of the students, the experience of being inside the ballpark—and receiving brand new gear—was just as meaningful as the equipment itself. It’s the kind of moment that sticks.
Why This Program Matters
Since its inception in 2008, the Philadelphia School-Based Program has supported over 10,000 student-athletes and delivered more than $1.5 million in equipment to schools across the city .
The majority of participating students come from under-resourced communities, and for many, this is their first opportunity to play.
The impact extends well beyond the field. Participation in the program has consistently been linked to improvements in attendance, academic performance, and overall engagement in school .
What That Impact Looks Like
Across Philadelphia schools, the impact shows up in different ways—but the story is consistent.
A student who couldn’t afford a glove now has the equipment they need and starts showing up to school more consistently because they don’t want to miss practice.
A player working through confidence or personal challenges finds the right position and support system, and begins to rebuild that confidence both on and off the field.
A senior receives the resources they need to fully participate, stays focused, and finishes strong—heading toward graduation and what comes next.
Another student, who wasn’t planning to play at all, sees new equipment in a coach’s office and decides to give the game a try—discovering something they wish they had found years earlier.
These moments may look small individually, but together they reflect something much bigger.
When kids have access to play, it changes more than just the game.
Real Stories from the Field
Behind every piece of equipment is a story.
A player like Joshua finally had the glove he needed—and with it came confidence, focus, and improved performance in the classroom.
A student like Harmonie, who wasn’t sure she would play at all, found her way back to the game with the right support, rebuilding her confidence along the way.
A leader like Diobel, preparing for graduation without the resources to fully participate, was able to step onto the field, elevate his academics, and move forward toward college.
And a student like Khloe, who wasn’t planning to join the team at all, saw new equipment in a coach’s office and decided to give it a try—eventually becoming a starter and discovering a passion she didn’t expect.
“I wish I came out for softball my freshman year because I had fun.”
These are the moments that define the program—and why access matters.
A True Team Effort
This program is the result of a full team effort.
Ryan Rieber led the Philadelphia School-Based Program process this year, overseeing everything from applications and vetting to equipment allocation and event logistics as part of his work on Special Projects.
We also want to recognize our operations and programs interns—Jack, Evan, and Dillon—for their support in preparing for the distribution event, and thank Jessica for joining us on-site.
We’re also grateful to the Phillies organization, Phillies Charities, and everyone who helped make the day possible.
Looking Ahead
While this is our longest-running program and based in our home community, it does not currently have consistent annual funding.
Due to grant cycle requirements, there is a five-year gap before we are eligible to receive funding from Phillies Charities again.
Establishing a more consistent and sustainable funding model for this program remains a key priority moving forward.
If you have ideas, connections, or interest in supporting this work, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
Help Us Keep Kids in the Game
Every piece of equipment matters.
Every opportunity matters.
And for so many of these kids, access to the game opens doors far beyond the field.
Support the program. Partner with us. Help us keep the game within reach.