The American Baseball Coaches Association announced Turn Two for Youth as the official charitable organization of the ABCA, as voted by the ABCA Board of Directors, in Fall 2016. Turn Two for Youth is a non-profit organization seeking to deliver new and used baseball equipment to underprivileged children in poverty-stricken areas.
"Turn Two for Youth is an organization that directly aligns itself with one of the ABCA's missions, which is to promote and develop the game of baseball," said ABCA Executive Director Craig Keilitz. "Our partnership with Turn Two for Youth allows our coaches and their players to share our great sport with youth across our nation that otherwise may not have the opportunity to play baseball."
Baseball equipment is collected by Turn Two For Youth where it is then cleaned, refurbished and stored until a complete container of gear can be shipped to a pre-qualified area. Turn Two for Youth carefully selects creditable volunteer organizations on the receiving end to ensure the equipment is delivered and distributed as intended. Since its inception, Turn Two for Youth has outfitted thousands of kids with gloves, bats, cleats, catchers equipment, jerseys and more just to get them involved in the game.
"We believe that engaging kids who need a little extra help in baseball puts them in a healthy environment where they learn team dynamics and prosper." said Billy Owens, co-founder of Turn Two for Youth. "The relationship between ABCA and Turn Two for Youth is significant because we all want to share our love for the game and support kids who need a lift."
The partnership kicked off at the 2017 ABCA Convention in Anaheim, California where the ABCA Board of Directors presented a $10,000 check to Turn 2 For Youth. "Turn Two for Youth is ecstatic about becoming the official charity of ABCA," said Turn Two for Youth co-founder Eric Smith. "This partnership is like hitting a walk-off home run for us in our ability to help the kids. We couldn’t be more proud and excited and know that the ABCA network will greatly assist us in learning more about where our gear is needed and how we can help."
ABCA members are able to get involved with Turn Two for Youth by collecting and donating new and used gear. Turn Two for Youth has warehouse locations throughout the United States and will take care of all shipping logistics. Coaches and their teams can also get involved by identifying leagues, teams and individuals who need equipment in their local communities.
Turn Two for Youth has partnerships with several youth baseball organizations across the nation including Triple Crown Sports, Top Gun Sports, American Legion and most recently Miracle League, which Turn Two for Youth will supply gear to leagues and families. Additionally, Turn Two for Youth has worked with Major League Baseball to lift poverty communities in the Dominican Republic.
Please see below for three ways to get involved with Turn 2 For Youth by either donating gear, money and/or recommending local teams or leagues in need of equipment. To find out more about Turn Two for Youth, please visit their website at Turn2ForYouth.com.
Questions? Contact Turn Two for Youth Executive Director, Vince Chelena, at [email protected] and mention ABCA.