Last year Baseball Factory launched the First Catch Program, an initiative designed to bring more awareness to prostate cancer.   We are excited to announce the program will be returning again this year, active through the month of June.  Below is a blog from the program’s founder Jeff Brazier, whose personal connection to the cause runs deeper than his involvement in baseball.

MAY 31, 2012

I remember the day I got the call. Working at my desk, an unknown number appeared on my phone. I recognized the local area code, so I answered. It turned out to be my father’s doctor, not out of the ordinary given that both my parents are deaf and I’ve taken many calls on their behalf over the years. But this call was anything but ordinary. I tried to focus as the doctor spoke to me, but my entire childhood was flashing before my eyes…

Although I am in my early 30’s now and my earliest memories are starting to fade, I will never forget the First Catch. It was on my 5^th birthday that I received my first baseball glove. From the smell of the leather, to the feel of it on my hand, it is something I will never forget. Even now as I reflect on that moment, the memory is a strong as ever. My dad and I immediately took to the yard for that first catch. We went on to have many more games of throw and catch from that day on, but the first will always be the best.

The doctor had finished explaining the situation to me but it felt like an hour passed before I said a word. My father has cancer. The diagnosis was an early stage of prostate cancer. Since it was detected early, my dad would be eligible for surgery. He elected to do so and I am happy to report that he has been cancer free now for six years. I believe this is only possible because of his regular checkups. Early detection saved his life.

Since the day I received that phone call, I have wanted to help promote the early detection of prostate cancer. As a young boy growing up, baseball was the best time my dad and I spent together. He often worked overtime or even a second job to help provide for our family, but no matter how much he worked if I asked him to play catch, he would. It wasn’t until two winters ago, after having a first catch moment with my own son, that my idea for the First Catch Program was born.

In 2012, Baseball Factory launched the First Catch Program to raise awareness for prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. As we recognize our fathers and grandfathers during the month of Father’s Day, let’s also encourage them to get screened for prostate cancer.

On behalf of the First Catch Program, Baseball Factory will donate $500 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In addition, families can mail checks to Baseball Factory, which will be collected and sent to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. As part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness this month, specially designed Under Armour Baseball Factory t-shirt can be purchased. The design will feature an alternative light blue logo to represent prostate cancer awareness. Additional t-shirts will be available for purchase from our online store and all proceeds will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Our web site will feature a blue ribbon for the month of June to remind visitors of the special efforts being made on behalf of the program. Finally, we will encourage our families to share videos and photos of “playing catch” on our Facebook Page. On Father’s Day we will select two finalists for a special contest to take place the last week of June. The photo or video that earns the most Likes during this time will receive two tickets to the Championship Game at this year’s Little League Baseball World Series!

This June, please support First Catch in your families, leagues and communities!