Baseball player collects gear for distribution
By John Gregory
Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) student Ethan Chuang has a passion for the game of baseball. His love of the sport is so strong that he collects used equipment for distribution to under-sourced communities so that others may experience playing the game.
His efforts paid off as Ethan’s collection of gear throughout approximately eight months took up a large space in the family’s garage as the items were prepared for distribution.
Ethan partnered with a nonprofit organization called Pitch in for Baseball & Softball (PIFBS), which helps organize the collection of used baseball and softball gear, and distributes it to communities throughout the nation as well as other countries.
The organization’s website states that it “helps give the gift of play and contributes to positive youth development by providing equipment to children around the world. … PIFBS reduces barriers to play and promotes youth development by providing equipment directly to leagues, schools, and organizations around the world to start, continue and/or expand their programs.”
Ethan’s mother, Valerie Chuang, knew a person who was involved with PIFBS, so she suggested Ethan possibly get involved with the organization.
“We just thought it would be great if Ethan, who loves baseball, could help collect used baseball gear,” Valerie said.
The process of collecting the used baseball equipment was finalized at the end of this year’s baseball season in the spring. It included baseball bats, cleats, helmets, equipment bags, catchers’ gear, baseballs and mitts.
“I love playing baseball and wanted to spread the love of the game to others who don’t have the opportunity to enjoy it,” Ethan stated. “I know how exciting it can be to receive equipment, new or used, and wanted to spread that joy to others in need.”
Ethan enjoyed playing in Scripps Ranch Little League when he was younger. He made the varsity baseball team at SRHS as a catcher in his sophomore year. He is now a junior and hopes to return to the varsity team this upcoming season.
His connections in the local baseball community came in handy when he began collecting the used gear. Ethan created a flier about his project and distributed it to players and coaches at all levels. He also posted it on Facebook and Instagram.
He partnered with Scripps Ranch Little League and the Scripps Ranch High School baseball program to collect baseball gear from local families, mostly from the Scripps Ranch area.
People with spare baseball or softball gear responded to Ethan, and he drove to their homes to pick up the equipment and brought it back to his family’s garage for sorting and storage. He was new to driving at the time, so he limited his collection area to locations around Scripps Ranch. He hopes to keep the project going this upcoming year, and will open up the collection area to other locations beyond Scripps Ranch now that he is a more experienced driver.
Ethan enjoys sharing his love for the game and has volunteered many hours in numerous baseball clinics for Scripps Ranch Little League and the Carlsbad Youth League in the past to help young players develop their skills.
“Where we live – in Scripps Ranch – we’re very insulated from other economic societies. I told him when I grew up, we were very poor. I played tennis. I had no resources. My sister taught me how to play. So, I think he got the sense that it’s good to help people get started,” Valerie said.
“He would volunteer with his catching coach to run some clinics for other Little Leagues,” she added. “He just loves the sport, and he wants to share the love with the little kids. That’s how he grew his love for it. I think he just wants to pay it back.”