Recalibrating Our Mission:
Why BUBA’s Work is Important
The challenges and barriers below present the urgent need for initiatives like Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (BUBA). Here are some challenges and roadblocks that youth in Baltimore face:
Funding Issues
Baltimore schools and community groups often cut baseball programs due to financial strain. Schools in low-income areas spend 40% less on sports than wealthier districts (Aspen Institute, 2023).
High Costs of Equipment and Training
Baseball’s average season cost exceeds $500, making it unaffordable for many families. Families earning under $50,000 are three times less likely to afford competitive baseball (USA Baseball, 2021). In Baltimore, the median household income is $58,349, and a significant portion of families earn less than $25,000 annually, which leaves little room for extracurricular activities like baseball (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).
Unsafe and Poorly Maintained Fields
Poor field conditions limit opportunities for youth play and development. 60% of youth quit sports due to inadequate facilities (Sports & Fitness Industry Association, 2021).
Disparity with Wealthier Suburbs
Suburban programs have better funding, facilities, and coaching, disadvantaging Baltimore youth. Suburban areas spend 2-3 times more on youth sports (Journal of Applied Research on Children, 2022).
Limited Access to Quality Services
Economic challenges make it difficult for skilled instructors to remain in urban areas, reducing access to experienced coaches. Urban programs report a 30% turnover rate among coaches due to low pay (National Alliance for Youth Sports, 2021).
Closure of Youth Centers and Programs
The shutdown of youth centers and community baseball programs further limits access to organized sports.
Transportation Challenges
Lack of safe transportation makes it difficult for youth to reach fields and facilities, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
Reduced School Sports Participation
Many Baltimore City schools no longer offer robust baseball programs, with some struggling to form complete teams.The number of high school baseball teams in Baltimore has dropped by 15% over the past five years (Maryland High School Athletic Association, 2023).
Decreased Exposure to Baseball
Limited access to local programs prevents many youth from engaging in baseball at a young a, reducing long-term interest.
Challenges & Roadblocks
Urban youth Are
30-40%
Less likely to have access to organized sports programs due to financial limitations in their communities
Annual Cost of
$3,000
For a child to participate in sports program – The high cost of baseball participation (fees, equipment, travel) limits access for many families.
Decline of
16 %
Less likely to have access to organized sports programs due to financial limitations in their communities
Years Ago
24
The last Baltimore City Public School student drafted by and MLB team
Less Than
7 %
MLB Rosters are African American
BUBA Programs
Scholarship Program
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Baltimore City youth can receive scholarships for free baseball and softball training, gear, and educational programs.
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Open to students from early elementary through college.
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Active participation creates pathways to college opportunities and long-term success.
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Earn rewards for their engagement, including gear and support.
Personal Development
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Guidance from coaches and volunteers.
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Life skills: code-switching, emotional resilience, communication.
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Peer mentorship between college players and younger athletes.
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Confidence, team-building, and leadership development.
College &
Career Prep
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Workshops on college readiness and financial literacy.
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Career series with guest speakers from various fields.
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College tours to inspire higher education ambitions.
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Guidance on FAFSA and scholarship applications.
Baseball Training
Facility
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Baltimore City youth can receive free access to baseball and softball training facilities, and educational programs.
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Developing skills in batting, pitching, fielding, and game strategy.
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Training for athletes from elementary to college level.
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Focus on fundamentals and physical fitness.
Youth Reach
2,500
Registered youth
650+
Scholarship athletes
College Prep Success
100%
12th grade student accepted into college
200+
Students took part in college prep workshops
Partnership
Building a Vision Together: The Role of Our Partners
Our vision for expanding our impact in the community relies heavily on the strength of partnerships. We are fortunate to collaborate with a diverse network, including corporations, other nonprofits, and local universities. These partners bring invaluable expertise, resources, and support that help us move closer to achieving BUBA’s goal. As we look to the future, continued collaboration will be critical in transforming our vision into reality. We invite our existing partners, as well as new supporters, to join us in this next phase, ensuring that we can create even more opportunities for those we serve. Together, we transform the lives of Baltimore City youth facing adversity, by providing a nurturing and supportive environment, through baseball training, education, and personal development. stronger, more inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of our community.
Over
5000
Volunteered hours from coaches mentors and partners
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“Before joining BUBA, I never thought I'd be able to play baseball because of the cost of equipment. Now, I get to learn from great coaches, play with friends, and even dream about playing in college someday. BUBA has given me confidence I didn't know I had..”
Youth Player, Middle School
“Being a mentor at BUBA has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Seeing younger athletes grow in skill and confidence makes me grateful to give back. I know I’m making a difference for Baltimore youth.”
College Athlete Mentor
“As a single parent, BUBA’s scholarship program has been a blessing. Not only has my son received baseball training, but he’s also getting help with college applications and FAFSA. This program has changed our lives.”
Parent of Scholarship Recipient
Our Partners
A New Chapter for BUBA
We’re excited to announce that the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (BUBA) facility in Pigtown has been acquired by local stakeholders passionate about baseball and community development. The facility will now be known as The Diamond Collective, ensuring that BUBA’s legacy of empowering youth through sports and community work will continue to grow. With expanded programs and a permanent home for youth education, sports, and civic engagement, The Diamond Collective is poised to serve Baltimore for years to come. In addition to expanding existing programs like baseball, softball, academic support, and personal development, The Diamond Collective will create new spaces for classrooms and collaborative work areas, encouraging greater community and partner engagement. This growth will strengthen local partnerships and deepen our impact, providing Baltimore’s next generation with more resources and opportunities.
Expansion Plan
This year, the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (BUBA) is expanding with new classrooms, training spaces, and collaborative work areas for our partner nonprofits, enhancing the second half of the BUBA building. These upgrades will help us better meet the growing needs of our athletes and community. As we expand, our commitment to providing a comprehensive environment for youth development, both on and off the field, remains strong. Along with this expansion, we are launching new curriculum programming to equip our young athletes with the skills needed to succeed beyond baseball. This includes career development, entrepreneurship, and higher education. Through targeted workshops and mentoring, our new curriculum will provide the guidance our athletes need to unlock their full potential and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Building Champions On and Off the Field
Currently, half of our facility features state-of-the-art training areas, while our educational and leadership sessions are conducted in makeshift classrooms on the AstroTurf. This new phase of development will transform the second half of our facility, dedicating space specifically to education and leadership training. This expansion will include classrooms, a weight room, and specialized training areas. We’re also thrilled to welcome Diamond Collective as a partner on this journey. This partnership, with other non-profits through the Diamond Collective, will enrich our community offerings by sharing the new learning space and supporting some of our free training programs.
How To Support
SECURINGS BUBA FUTURE
The Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (BUBA) offers scholarships to Baltimore City youth, providing them with free baseball and softball training, full facility access, and educational programming. More than 500 Baltimore City youth and 100 college athletes regularly walk through BUBA’s doors to take advantage of BUBA's training and programming.