ABOUT BATTER-UP FOUNDATION

Batter-Up (Better Athletes Through Training, Etiquette, Resources, Understanding, and Practice) Foundation was founded in 2004 in order to provide character education and baseball instruction to the youth of the Greater Washington area. BATTER-UP lays the cornerstone for success by creating a structured growth path for children that teaches them invaluable life lessons, both on and off the field. Batter-Up is a community based organization that uses baseball as a means to provide youth development to elementary, middle and senior high school aged youth. There has been a sharp decline in organized baseball programs in African-American and minority neighborhoods and schools, revealed by lack of structured leagues, skilled instruction, proper equipment, and poor condition and/or absence of playable facilities. Consequently, African-American youth are severely disadvantaged in learning the fundamentals of baseball and sportsmanship and are unable to enjoy the full benefits of participation in an athletic environment. Our unique approach integrates mentoring with year-round baseball opportunities, including character education on and off the field, league play and clinics to develop basic and advanced skills. BATTER-UP focuses on coach training and development to ensure that players receive proper instruction in their schools. This strategy will help improve and sustain the quality of the baseball and softball programs throughout the area.

VISION AND MISSION

Our mission is to revitalize interest in baseball and to improve the development of local players, especially minorities, with the goal of increasing college opportunities. The mission of BATTER-UP Foundation is to cultivate a better understanding and appreciation for baseball among our youth by developing their athletic skills and motivating them to achieve excellence in academics, and ultimately enhance the quality of life of inner city African-American and other minority children by strengthening their capacity to engage in organized baseball. We want to build character in boys and girls by introducing attributes such as leadership, responsibility, and positive self esteem.