For the Love of the Game

Youngstown State softball players headline a drive to share old sports equipment with those in need.

By JON MOFFETT

Vindicator Staff Writer

Danielle Chase has loved softball since she was 6-years old.

Now, 15 years later, the junior pitcher at Youngstown State University is ready to spread her love of the game with the next generation.

“Softball has been so important to me in my life and it has given me a chance to further my eduction,” Chase said. “And by getting rid of some things lying around, hopefully I’ll be able to give some kids some of the opportunities I’ve had.”

Chase and the YSU softball team will donate some of their old sports equipment to area children as part of the “Hit Home Run Through Recycling” charity drive Tuesday. The drive collects gently used sports equipment to benefit local youth athletic programs.

The event garnered considerable attention in its first attempt last year. About 1,900 pieces of equipment were collected, said Sarah Ellis, manager of YSU’s re:CREATE, an environmental reuse program.

The equipment, which was limited to only baseball and softball last year, is open to all sports equipment. It will go toward the Youngstown Police Athletic League, the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club. This year, YPAL will team up with the Juvenile Justice Center to co-sponsor the program. It will take part during a doubleheader between the University of Akron and YSU.

Some of the children who will benefit from the efforts of Chase and her teammates attended a coaches’ meeting Friday. Some played in the league last year and expressed their gratitude for the drive.

“It helped us out because not all the kids have the money to buy [equipment]”, said Lamar Thompson, 11, of Youngstown. He added that athletics keep him and other kids out of trouble.

Shelby McIntroy, 11, of Struthers was excited to continue softball for her second year.

“It’s fun to play sports,” she said.

Brian Campbell, head coach of the Penguins, said the team is privileged to be able to host the drive at their games.

“It’s fantastic. Any time you can help individuals in need it’s special,” he said. “I think this is something that is an honor to be a part of.”

About 500 kids benefited from the equipment last year, a number that organizers hope will go up with this year’s drive.

“Last year when we started, we didn’t have any equipment whatsoever,” said Ed Colon, a Youngstown Police officer and executive director of the YPAL. “We were able to provide the kids with the equipment provided for our baseball league from the drive. We got a lot of great equipment from them and we’re very excited to be a part of it this year.”

Colon said efforts like Tuesday’s drive are vital for youth athletics in the area. The YPAL offers programs free of charge, with the exception of any equipment needed. By bringing in equipment to give kids, the city is helping groom the next generation of athletes.

“Baseball is an American icon type of sport,” Colon said. “It’s a shame that there are kids who may not have the funding for the [equipment] and might miss out on it. We’ve seen some kids who are incredibly talented, and without our program all that talent would go to waste.”

It also gives kids the chance to play with their peers. William Mallog, 9, of Youngstown, said he looks forward to another year in the organized league.

“It means I don’t have to play with all the girls in my neighborhood,” Mallog said.

The league is made up of kids aged 5-17 and offers athletic programs in baseball, basketball other sports. Colon hopes that by playing sports, it’ll give kids enough to keep them out of trouble. The league coaches are volunteer police officers, something Colon said hopefully changes the kids’ minds on authority figures.

“It’s a wonderful experience to be able to interact with these kids on a different level than on the street,” Colon said. “It’s a great opportunity to get them off the streets and into a physical activity and interact with police officers on a different side.”

Gary Williams, director of softball operations with YSU, said having the drive to help out kids is

“It’s very important. It’s a big plus for the inner city to get 500 kids to play sports,” Williams said. “It’s very important for the youth of Youngstown because it’s the youth that is going to build up the city, and if you can get them to have fun and be active you have a better chance of change.”

Not only does the drive not only benefits the children, but the environment as well.

“As kids grow up and they are playing sports, they’ll outgrow their equipment,” she said. “We’re reusing this equipment, so it’s better for our community because it’s being put to use and not thrown away in a landfill somewhere.”

jmoffett@vindy.com