Are you giving back?

Rob Naddelman: Through a Parent’s Eyes

As a parent, I think one of the most valuable gifts you can teach your children is to give back to your community at large. In my opinion, community service (and or donating to a cause) should be a part of every family in some capacity. It is important for young people to participate so they can gain perspective and appreciate all that they have. Here are some tips to start giving back if you are not currently making it a priority:

1. Find a cause that appeals to your family. Baseball would be a natural fit. You can find a local or national organization and donate old baseball equipment and uniforms that your child no longer uses. There are many groups that would be happy to take it off your hands and it is much better than throwing it away and having it sit in a garbage landfill.

2. On your child’s birthday, encourage folks that normally give gifts to make a donation to a charity instead. Have your child research the charity with you. My family does this each year for our daughter’s birthdays. We have collected books, pajamas, toys, and clothes and made multiple donations to local organizations like Bright Beginnings. The organizations are so grateful and it teaches our kids the importance of helping others.

3. As parents, instead of throwing away your old clothes, books, and house wear items that you no longer need, find a local shelter to give the items to. Bring your child with you when you drop off the items.

Giving back to the community has always been something that is paramount to my family and to our Company. Back in 1994, when the Baseball Factory was incorporated, we also started a non-profit organization called The B.A.S.E.-H.I.T. Foundation, which stands for Baseball & Academic Student Enhancement – Helping Inner City Teams. We run a six team middle school academic and baseball program for at-risk children in Baltimore City. We provide coaches, tutors, equipment, uniforms, bus transportation and training for the participants. It has been a great way for our Company and staff to give back to our community and provide an organized, safe, and motivational program for children to achieve success in the classroom and on the field. It has been one of the most gratifying parts of our work!

Rob Naddelman is the President of Baseball Factory. Naddelman is a former two-time All Ivy League Third Baseman at the University of Pennsylvania, where he competed in a College World Series Regional. He has served as the President of Baseball Factory for the past 13 years, and also is the Executive Director of Baseball Factory's charitable arm The B.A.S.E. - H.I.T. Foundation. Naddelman and Steve Sclafani (CEO) have been featured in Business Week and CNN for their work in building Baseball Factory into the nation's leader in player development and college placement.