The Josh Gibson Foundation: Little League

LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL
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Because the family is the basic building block of our society, the Josh Gibson Foundation has created programs to include the entire family. In the past, the foundation has sponsored programs in partnership with PNC Bank and the Mercy Behavioral Health System.

These programs included life skills training seminars and workshops. Parents are also encouraged to take an active interest in their child’s participation in educational and athletic programs offered by the Josh Gibson Foundation.

The Josh Gibson Foundation currently sponsors a 10 team little league for young people ages 9 through 12. The league is linked directly with the Foundation’s educational programming.

Approximately 250 participants play in the league annually, and the active participation of parents and guardians in the league and educational programs is encouraged. There is currently no youth baseball league in Homestead, therefore, the Josh Gibson Foundation plans to introduce a little league program to the community.

The value of the existing 10 team league to the City of Pittsburgh as a community resource is evident both as a provider of constructive after school youth activities and in the educational impact that it has had.

Plans for future growth include the reformulation of the Josh Gibson Little League into the Josh Gibson Baseball Association, consisting of Little League, Pony League, and Colt League Teams. We will eventually seek to expand the League into different cities nationwide. With public support, good kids, and foundation/corporate sponsorships, we will make a difference in the lives of our youth.

The educational mission of the Foundation is supported by the regulations of the Josh Gibson Little League. To register to play ball, all children must bring a copy of their most recent report card. All participants are expected to have at least a 2.5 grade point average. The League will sponsor and encourage participation in both tutoring and counseling services free of charge.

For those children who do not have the required grade point average, the Foundation mandates participation in tutoring sessions at the facilities in his/her neighborhood. If the participant does not have the required grade point average, and refuses to accept tutoring, they will become ineligible to play in the Josh Gibson Little League.

The support of all parents, guardians, and coaches in this endeavor is encouraged. Outstanding student athletes with grade point averages above 3.0 are recognized annually by election to the leagues’ Academic All-Star Team. Education should have priority over extra-curricular activities and the Foundation tries to instill that value in the minds of our youth. The motto of the Josh Gibson foundation sums it up very well, “Obtaining a great education feels as good as winning, because it helps one win the game of life."