Low awareness of the many developmental opportunities in baseball

These days, with respect to team sports, the average Black or Latino kid is aware of football and basketball as options -- however, not nearly enough consider the game of baseball. The numbers of active Black and Latino baseball players, at all levels, used to be higher but have decreased dramatically over the past couple of decades. Similarly, a lot of the parents of these children, while they may be more aware of baseball as a sport, do not have any knowledge of the many benefits that participation in the game of baseball can offer their children. This is especially true when the kids have access to a higher level of instruction.

High cost barriers and low access

The rising costs of equipment and travel make baseball participation a non-starter for a lot of families residing in lower income neighborhoods. In order for the children to participate, low-to-no cost subsidies and transportation support are necessary. Additionally, the benefits of baseball and related life skills and educational support is challenged by limited access to equipment, fields and coaches who have played the game at a high level.

Few cohesive pipelines of support

There are not many organizations which offer the ability for kids to remain with the program -- the same coaches, friends and other 'extended' family members -- for the total duration of their childhood. This continuity is so valuable because it establishes a consistent presence of support throughout the kids' most formative years and creates a lasting bond which will carry on into adulthood.

Few options serving all skill levels

Most team participation options (church, little league, YMCA, park rec, travel teams) cater to a particular skill level. An organization with the ability to serve beginner, intermediate and advanced players, at their respective levels, maximizes its impact in the communities it serves.