Our vision is for every young person in New England to have access and opportunity to play baseball and softball.
The Red Sox Foundation aims to support youth baseball and softball in all of Red Sox Nation with the goals of;
Closing the opportunity gap for underserved youth to participate and thrive
Ensuring all youth baseball and softball players have a positive experience
There are long-term physical, academic and social-emotional benefits for youth who are physically active and have a positive role model in their life. Knowing this, the Red Sox Foundation created this platform as a supplemental resource and opportunities for players, parents, coaches, and leagues!
2024 Wakefield Youth Baseball & Softball Volunteer of the Year Award
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.) and must be submitted by Monday, August 19th. Finalists 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 28th!
To nominate a local volunteer, please fill out the information below. Note that when you click submit, the page will reload and go back to our Youth Baseball & Softball homepage meaning your submission has been received. If you have any questions or issues, please email rbi@redsox.com.
Congratulations to our 2023 Volunteers of the Year!
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 six 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 pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park on September 17th, and received tickets for their families, and their respective leagues for that evenings game.
Thank you to these six 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!
What is PLAY BALL?
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!
Want to 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!
What is the equipment exchange?
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!
Have equipment to donate?
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:
Bats (metal)
Catcher’s Equipment
Fielding Gloves
Helmets
Cleats (metal and plastic)
Baseballs (new)
Softballs (new)
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.
Hispanic Heritage Month
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.
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.
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
Jordan’s Furniture Launches The 2021 Double Play Youth Baseball Donation Program Bring your like-new and clean baseball and softball equipment to any Jordan’s Furniture store in New England! Learn more...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME: PCA + THE RED SOX FOUNDATION Present Workshops for New England’s Youth Baseball and Softball Coaches on LEADING PRACTICES AND...
