Pitch In For Baseball & Softball Opens a West Coast Warehouse

PHILADELPHIA, PA – October 21, 2015 – Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS), a not-for-profit that collects and redistributes new and gently-used baseball and softball equipment to kids and communities in need in the U.S. and around the world, and The Rod Dedeaux Foundation, a Los Angeles based non-profit that supports youth baseball and softball programs in underserved areas, are teaming up to help more kids play ball.

For the past 10 years, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) has run solely from a Philadelphia area warehouse even though PIFB donors and supporters are spread all over the country. The donation of warehouse space and operational staff from The Rod Dedeaux Foundation expands Pitch In For Baseball & Softball’s footprint and improves the experience for donors and program partners.

“We receive donations of new and gently used gear from all over the country, which we then send around the U.S. and the world to kids and communities who cannot easily access or afford the proper gear to play. Each year, so many of the equipment donors and recipients that contact us are from the west coast,” said David Rhode, PIFBS Executive Director. “This second facility will greatly increase our ability to accept more donations and to serve more children and communities in need.”

The connection to The Rod Dedeaux Foundation is a logical one for Pitch In For Baseball & Softball. PIFBS President, Roy Smalley, won 2 NCAA Baseball Championships while at University of Southern California under the leadership of legendary Coach Rod Dedeaux. Brett Dedeaux, the Executive Director of The Rod Dedeaux Foundation, is the grandson of Coach Dedeaux.

“The Dedeaux Foundation’s support of Pitch In For Baseball & Softball is a natural fit and the timing is right. The Dedeaux Foundation and Pitch In For Baseball & Softball have a shared purpose to create opportunities for children in urban communities to play ball,” said Brett Dedeaux. “We know that this additional space will help PIFBS to have a greater impact. We’re just happy to be in a position to help.”

People can support the efforts of PIFBS by donating new or gently-used equipment, or by making a financial donation. To make a donation or learn more about the organization and this partnership, visit www.pifbs.wpengine.com.

About Pitch In For Baseball & Softball
Founded in 2005, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball is the central organization for the collection and redistribution of new and gently used youth baseball and softball equipment to under resourced communities around the world. To date, PIFBS has distributed equipment and uniforms to more than 80 countries worldwide and more than 450 communities around the United States impacting over 500,000 children in need.

About The Rod Dedeaux Foundation
The Rod Dedeaux Foundation is named after Raoul “Rod” Dedeaux: legendary USC and USA Olympic baseball coach, Founder of Japan – USA Baseball series, Father of International Baseball and “Coach of the Century”. The Foundation was formed to continue Rod’s spirit by supporting youth baseball and softball programs in underserved areas. Through the efforts of the Foundation, youth receive more than just uniforms and renovated facilities, they receive a sanctuary from challenging environments and a support system specifically designed to build character and academic support to enable underprivileged youth to achieve their dreams.

For more information visit www.dedeauxfoundation.org

Media Contact
Meredith Kim – PIFB (267-263-4069 or meredithk@pifb.org)