In honor of the life and legacy of Tim Wakefield, the Red Sox Foundation will recognize 7 volunteers – one from each of the six New England states and one from a Challenger Little League – who through dedication and commitment provides exceptional services to their youth baseball and/or softball community. Nominations can be submitted by anyone affiliated with the nominee (player, coach, parent, friend, etc.). Finalists for the 2025 awards will be notified after the nomination process closes, and winners will be invited to Fenway Park to be recognized during a pre-game ceremony on Saturday, September 27th!
The 2025 nomination period is now closed. We will reopen nominations for next baseball and softball season in summer 2026.
If you have any questions, please email rbi@redsox.com.
We were thrilled to see so many worthy Volunteer of the Year nominations come in this year and it is a true testament to the countless individuals who step up to the plate every day in our communities.
Our Youth Baseball and Softball Committee read many amazing accounts of service and contribution from all across New England, but were able to decide on seven excellent finalists, who truly were All-Stars for their community this past year.
These winners (one from each New England state) were honored in a pregame ceremony at Fenway Park on September 28th, and received tickets for their families, and their respective leagues for that evenings game.
Thank you to these dedicated volunteers, and all of the amazing volunteers across New England who give their all to serve their communities, and help ensure that every child has the opportunity to play and enjoy the game we all love!
A FREE introductory baseball/softball clinic for youth ages 5-12 with any skill range. Youth in attendance participate in fun and engaging baseball activities through station based drills. The best part is, no personal equipment is necessary. Just show up and PLAY!
The Red Sox Foundation is coming to a town near you! Visit the link below to see all of the upcoming events near you. No equipment is necessary, the Foundation will have everything you need to play. Registration is free and required to participate.
We love to hear that so many towns and leagues want to join in our efforts of introducing the game to youth. If you’re interested in learning how your town or league can have the Red Sox Foundation host a Play Ball event in your area, email our staff to get more information.
Stay engaged with the Play Ball initiative by checking out and following MLB PLAY BALL platforms below!
The Red Sox Foundation is committed to giving access to play baseball and softball by helping to eliminate a barrier in equipment costs for leagues across New England. To do so, we partner with Jordan’s Furniture to collect like-new and clean equipment so youth can get back on the field! Check out below to see how you can donate or receive equipment!
We ask that all equipment being donated be like-new, not broken, and in clean condition to ensure it can be used by others. Due to current state and local guidelines, below is the current list of equipment the Red Sox Foundation is accepting. This list will continue to be updated as additional equipment is accepted or needed:
If you have equipment you would like to donate, please email rbi@redsox.com.
Below are resources compiled to help youth and families. These resources will be updated frequently to reflect the current challenges we face in our community.
About Hispanic Heritage Month – Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
MLB Players Association – The MLB Players Association will be honoring baseball’s Hispanic Heritage throughout the month.
National Hispanic Heritage Month – View the exhibits and collections from the National Hispanic Heritage Month archives.
Hispanic Heritage Month Website – Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.
| MLB Hispanic Heritage Month: Roundtable Discussion on Being Latino in Baseball and the U.S. |
Overview of COVID-19: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Connecticut Vaccine Information: Connecticut Vaccine
Maine Vaccine Information: Maine Vaccine
Massachusettes Vaccine Information: Massachusetts Vaccine
New Hampshire Vaccine Information: New Hampshire Vaccine
Rhode Island Vaccine Information: Rhode Island Vaccine
Vermont Vaccine Information: Vermont Vaccine
Vaccine Site Map: City of Boston
Reopening Massachusetts: City of Boston
School related resources for COVID-19: Boston Public Schools
Actualizaciones de la enfermedad por Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ciudad de Boston
"The only way to get back to doing the things we love, is to get the COVID vaccine.” – Big Papi
Trust the facts, get the vax: https://t.co/lfEr7yhqAr pic.twitter.com/zBB08md1Ht
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 18, 2021
Check out our Families page for more parent/guardian resources: Family Resources
Learn how to have a positive relationship with your child’s coach: Tips for a Positive Parent/Coach Partnership
10 tips for first-time sports parents: PCA Article
Talking to your kids about COVID-19: USA Softball
| Carol Dweck: The Rise of a False Growth Mindset |
Keep the whole family entertained in the house with the Red Sox Home Fun activity page. Choose from coloring pages, math and STEM worksheets, videos, recipes, and more! Best for ages 5-12: Red Sox Home Fun
Working through cancelled sports disappointment: PCA Expert
Keeping kids safe online: US Center for SafeSport
Ted Williams and the positive perspective of not playing: PCA Blog
For resources around Black Lives Matter and additional ways to engage youth: Where We Stand
Help us stop bullying: Boston Public Schools
Get the facts: CDC Smoking & Tobacco Use
For Immediate Release September 17, 2025 RED SOX FOUNDATION AND FANATICS TO HOST NIKE RBI SHOWCASE AT FENWAY PARK THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox Foundation,...
Learn MoreThe Red Sox Foundation is committed to giving access to play baseball and softball by helping to eliminate a barrier in equipment costs for leagues across New England. To do...
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The Red Sox Foundation
4 Jersey Street
Boston, MA 02215