Pitch In For Baseball (PIFB), Little League’s equipment donation partner, continues to expand the ways in which it is supporting the growth of Little League Baseball and Softball. In 2007, PIFB made its first donation to the Urban Initiative, with assistance to programs in cities like Trenton, N.J., Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Houston.

“Providing equipment and uniforms to deserving Urban Initiative programs makes perfect sense for our organization,” David Rhode, Executive Director for Pitch In For Baseball, said. “The mission of our charity is to improve the lives of children around the world through the life skills and self esteem that playing baseball can foster. We think that providing essential equipment and uniforms to Urban Initiative leagues that are in dire need will make a real impact in the lives of these kids and these communities.”

Pitch In For Baseball provided equipment and uniforms to six leagues impacting more than 1,500 children in 2007.

“Everything received was in perfect condition and very usable,” Juan Henderson, Duquesne Little League President (Pittsburgh, Pa.), said. "We are hoping that the support from Pitch In For Baseball will increase our registration by at least 50 percent, thus allowing more children to benefit from our programs and the joys of playing youth baseball.”

With the guidance of Urban Initiative Director David James, PIFB has set a goal to double its assistance to Urban Initiative leagues in need in 2008.

“For many Urban Initiative leagues, ready access to baseball and softball equipment is just not possible,” Mr. James said. “Pitch In For Baseball helps to fill that need.”

Since 2005, Pitch In For Baseball has worked closely with Little League programs in need in the United States and around the world. To date, PIFB has donated more than 15,000 items to more than 30 charted Little League programs worldwide. For more information about how you can assist PIFB, you can visit the website at www.pitchinforbaseball.org or contact Executive Director David Rhode at 215-371-2841.