The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation uses baseball and softball-themed programs to build character and teach critical life lessons to young people residing in America's most distressed communities.

Description:
We work together with community youth organizations (such as the Boys and Girls Clubs) all around the country to provide disadvantaged youth with access to baseball and softball programs, equipment, fields, and caring adults. In our Badges for Baseball program, we pair law enforcement professionals as coaches with youth to improve relationships between both groups. Our annual Play Ball! Tour for Kids distributes equipment and provides instructional clinics to youth nationwide. In addition to providing instructional clinics to youth, we also teach youth coaches and other youth development professionals how to coach more effectively and teach baseball and softball "The Ripken Way." We recently launched Healthy Choices, Healthy Children, which is a character education curriculum designed to complement on-the-field programs.

In addition to local organizations, the Foundation also partners with other national, youth-serving organizations to work together in giving disadvantaged youth opportunities to succeed.

History:
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2001 by members of the Ripken family in memory of their patriarch Cal, Sr. We work to create baseball and softball programs and facilities that positively impact disadvantaged youth by combining the principles represented by the Ripken name, the power of Cal, Jr. as a modern day hero and role model, and the universal appeal of baseball. We strive to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences that use the magic of the big leagues to inspire kids to be the best that they can be…to dream a dream that someday they can achieve great things.

However, the challenge is sizable. Today, more than 7 million American kids struggle with poverty, obesity, poor quality of education, the lack of adult role models, or the persistent presence of drugs and violence. Through baseball and softball, the Foundation works with kids in need to instill leadership qualities, a strong work ethic, sportsmanship and healthy habits.

Contact people:

Janice Chan, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) General Information, (phone), (email)

Address:

1427 Clarkview Rd., Suite 100 Baltimore, MD 21209 (See a map)

Miscellaneous Information

Does this agency accept court appointed volunteers?
	No