We couldn’t be more excited to share some great news from the Athletic Department of the Bronx Academy of Letters.
The MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation recently awarded Bronx Academy of Letters a $7,656 grant for four equipment kits to be used by our middle and high school baseball and softball teams. MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation is a joint initiative of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Each equipment kit contains gloves, bats, balls, helmets, and a catchers set and mitt, as well as a team bag. Currently, approximately 100 of our students participate in either softball or baseball.
Baseball and softball provide a plethora of emotional and health benefits. Being involved in school sports importantly provides healthier after-school activities and may keep students from engaging in riskier behaviors. Throughout the years, the student athletes at the Bronx Academy of Letters have had nearly a 100% graduation rate with almost no suspensions. The softball team has also had great success on the field, winning the 2018 Public Schools Athletic League Division C Championship, and making the playoffs the following year after moving up to Division B.
In support of our student-athletes and in recognition of the tremendous advocacy work of BAL Athletic Director David Garcia-Rosen, the Foundation has committed an additional $5000 to purchase a pitching machine and retractable batting cage. Because of physical space constraints, the school’s field is too small for batting practice which puts our players at a big disadvantage. Previously our only option was commercial batting cages that require funding and transportation.