Our Story
Minor Leaguers struggling to make it & How the AaML was born…
Excerpt from Daily Journal “Minor League Players Still Struggle to get by” By Andy Bell-Baltaci
…Under the bright lights of Victory Field, some players make less than many of their adult fans. Fewer than one in 13 high school players will play in college, and fewer than one in 10 of those who play in college will ever be signed by a major league team, according to the NCAA. But the MLB draft isn’t like the NBA or NFL drafts, where players go directly to the top level of the game. Players who get drafted have to go through the minor league system, and most minor league players won’t ever get the chance to sign a major league contract. For those top 0.8% of players who aren’t yet in a major league uniform, playing baseball doesn’t include fame, luxury cars or mansions. Instead, it has included second jobs, relying on teammates and family members for financial help — and deciding whether or not the dream they’ve been chasing for most of their lives is worth it.” (emphasis added)
Making baseball dreams come true.
We heard about a minor leaguer who was hungry.
We stepped forward to help and connected the player with a sponsor.
Then we did it again. And again.
Chipotle Gift Card Program
Maryland Bowie Bay Sox
Beloit Sky Carps formerly Snappers
Chicago White Sox
Columbia, SC - Fireflies
Danville - Braves
Fredericksburg Nationals
Fredericksburg Nationals
Lynchburg Hillcats
Ft.Myers - Mighty Mussels
St Louis Cardinals
Montgomery - Biscuits
Modesto Nuts
Minnesota Twins
Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates
NH - Fisher Cats
Portland Sea Dogs
Georgia - Rome Braves
Tampa Tarpons
San Francisco Giants
Southbend Cubs
San Bernardino 66ers
See What They Are Saying…
“Random text messages of food that our guy is eating thanks to our gift cards. Or supporting him as he gets through rehab (he starts to throw tomorrow after being cleared from TJ!) And tbh, supporting someone who just needs it.”
“This is a loaded question. There’s a lot to say but Twitter limits the characters.:) Outside of the feeling that you are making some impact, all of the players that have become family.”
“Showing my kids what it means to pay it forward. But the best part is knowing that by helping them they get to focus on playing with a little less to worry about.”
“Having someone outside of my normal support system helping me out feels good. It reminds me that there are still good people out there with big hearts.”
“Having people to support us while we are playing has been an invaluable resource. Something as small as nice toiletries or a gift card goes a long way in helping us while we’re playing. You can absolutely use that!”
“The appreciation from the player being sponsored, very gratifying to know you’re helping someone who can really use some assistance.”
“The feeling of getting to help, in some small way, to make it a little easier for a player to pursue their dream in a sport I have sooo much fun watching? (Plus they’ve been so very nice!!
)”
“Best part is knowing that I am helping, in small ways, to improve the lives of hundreds of MiLB players, many far from home, or family, and some with a language barrier.”
“Feeling closer to the game I love and helping someone in a small way to chase their dreams. I’ve also learned a lot about MiLB player advocacy and have enjoyed the relationships we’ve developed.”
“Getting to cheer on my dude as he moves up through the ranks. Also, packing monthly care packages to go with the money I’m sending has been fun too…”
“Knowing that in some small way helping a human being who just happens to play a game that I love and have loved since childhood.”
“Well if I can only name one thing, I’ll sum it up as getting to have a small impact on the future of a game that’s had such a large impact on me.”
“Having the minor leaguers represented by the MLBPA is a huge step towards a living wage. This is really big news!”
“So happy to be able to support young men following their dream. This year I have 3 and have not met them but have so enjoyed our talks.”
Arizona 12News
3/31/20 7:31pm – Minda Hass Kuhlmann
Extra! Extra!
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