A Message From Our CEO
Hello,
This summer has given us so many reminders of what can happen when people come together around a shared love of the game.
One of the biggest highlights was spending four unforgettable days at the 2026 Capital One All-Star Village in Philadelphia. Our team had the opportunity to meet fans, connect with families, and introduce thousands of people to the PIFBS mission. Every conversation helped show how donated equipment, volunteer time, and financial support can open the game to more young athletes.
We are carrying that energy into the months ahead. Tickets are now available for Chip In For Baseball & Softball at TopGolf King of Prussia on Sunday, November 15. We are also preparing for our September Equipment Drop-Off + Volunteer Day, another hands-on opportunity to help get gently used gear back into play.
In this issue, you will also meet Adonis, a first-time player whose hard work and access to the equipment he needed helped him grow into a leader.
Thank you for continuing to pitch in. Your support helps kids build confidence, friendships, and skills that last far beyond the field.
With gratitude,
Meredith P. Kim
CEO, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball
P.S. Reach out to us for more information on how you can get involved or to share your ideas on spreading joy and unity through sports.
Impact Spotlight
When Opportunity Meets Work Ethic
Adonis stepped onto the field as a quiet sophomore who had never played baseball. He showed up early, stayed late, and earned the trust of his coaches and teammates through his grit and willingness to learn. By spring, he had been named the team’s Most Improved Player.
Today, he is projected to start at catcher and has become one of the dugout’s most vocal leaders. Adonis did not have the gear or uniforms he needed to play. His story was made possible by PIFBS supporters who helped give him that opportunity.
Honoring a Legacy, Impacting the Future
At Pitch In For Baseball & Softball, we often talk about the power and impact of the game—and Patricia “Pat” Wilson lived it every day. A lifelong athlete and dedicated coach, Pat spent more than 30 years ensuring kids in her community had a place on the field, a team to belong to, and a reason to play. Even in her passing, Pat is still “pitching in.” We are deeply honored that the Wilson family designated PIFBS as her memorial recipient.
Through their generosity and the support of her community, Pat’s memorial has already raised significant funds to deliver brand-new gloves, bats, cleats, and gear to underserved young athletes. Her love for the game will continue to live on through every child who steps onto the field with equipment provided in her honor.
A Meaningful Way to Pay It Forward
Each year, PIFBS is privileged to be chosen as a charity partner in memory or honor of loved ones who believed in the life-changing power of sports. Whether celebrating a milestone, honoring a lifelong coach, or remembering a passionate fan, these tributes do more than celebrate a life well-played—they create a lasting ripple effect, giving the next generation of players their chance to fall in love with the game.
If you would like to honor someone special while giving youth athletes a place on the team, you can direct your support by choosing the “In memory of” or “In honor of” option on our donation form at pifbs.org.
Together, we can keep their legacy alive on the field.
Monthly Highlights
PIFBS Takes the Field at MLB All-Star Village
The 2026 Capital One All-Star Village welcomed more than 111,000 visitors to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, making it the largest MLB All-Star Village in history.
For four days, PIFBS connected with thousands of baseball and softball fans, shared our mission, and showed visitors how equipment donations, volunteer time, and financial support can help more kids play.
We are grateful to MLB, our partners, volunteers, staff, interns, and everyone who stopped by the PIFBS booth.
The 2nd Annual Academic Challenge
This July was the culmination of the 2nd Annual Academic Challenge in Los Angeles Unified School District in partnership with the 5050 Foundation. Through this unique, high impact program, 6 baseball and 6 softball teams throughout the district competed to achieve the highest average GPA and the most improved GPA. The four winners received a $2,500 equipment grant from PIFBS for their 2027 season!
The First Annual Taste of Hawaii Event
On July 31st, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball was grateful to attend the first annual Taste of Hawaii event in southern California. The event highlighted the special initiatives and raised funds for the Suzuki Family Foundation’s programming to support kids and families in Maui and Los Angeles area. PIFBS is a proud partner of the Suzuki Family Foundation!
Events and Opportunities
Put Your Extra Gear Back in Play
Make room in the garage and make a difference! Join PIFBS on Saturday, September 19, for our Equipment Drop-Off + Volunteer Day. Donate gently used baseball and softball equipment, volunteer your time, or do both to help more kids get ready for the game. A bag of gear, a few hours, or one good glove can help a young player take the field.
To schedule an equipment drop-off or learn more about volunteering, please contact jack.clancy@pifbs.org.
Chip In For Baseball & Softball Is Back!
Join us Sunday, November 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at TopGolf King of Prussia for an afternoon of play, food, drinks, prizes, unique raffle items, networking, and an exclusive silent auction. Co-hosted by Ben Davis and Dave Osokow, this favorite PIFBS fundraiser brings fans and industry leaders together to help kids play ball.
Options are available for individuals, twosomes, groups of six, and non-golfing guests. All proceeds will support equipment donations.
Get PIFBS Updates by Text
Want PIFBS news and offers sent directly to your phone? Join our text list for a simple way to stay connected with PIFBS wherever you are.
Take Action
Help kids around the world play ball!
There are many ways to help kids get in the game. You can start a fundraiser, organize an equipment collection project, attend Phillies Community Day, or support PIFBS through one of our active campaigns. Every action helps create access, opportunity, and joy through sport.