200 Cleveland youth gained access to hands-on training, mentorship, and the Level Up Lab experience at Luke Easter Park.
On June 9, 2026, The Players Alliance joined forces with PitCCh In Foundation, the Cleveland Guardians, CLE Inspires, and the Lake Erie Crushers to bring the annual Pro Baseball Camp to Luke Easter Park in Cleveland, Ohio. The free event welcomed 200 young people from the local community for a morning of baseball instruction, mentorship, and hands-on programming designed to open doors both on and off the field.
Boys and girls in grades 1 through 8 took the field for skills training led by current and former professional players, with coaching stations covering the fundamentals of the game in an environment built around encouragement and access. Lake Erie Crushers pitchers Brandon Scott and Branden Noriega and catcher Nick Chavez brought energy and expertise to the field, working directly with youth throughout the morning. The Players Alliance’s Level Up Lab ran simultaneously on site, giving youth an immersive look at careers connected to baseball beyond playing, while also offering a friendly round of MLB The Show.
Hall of Famer CC Sabathia was among the players in attendance, joined by former MLB player and White Sox coach Daryl Boston. Their presence on the field carried weight — a reminder that the players who came up through this game have a responsibility to invest in those coming after them. Cleveland Guardians Director of Community Impact Raphael Collins helped make the partnership possible, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to the communities it calls home.
The collaboration between The Players Alliance, PitCCh In Foundation, the Cleveland Guardians, and the Lake Erie Crushers reflects a shared belief that access to the game should never be determined by zip code. When professional organizations and community nonprofits align behind a common mission, the result is more than a camp day. It’s a signal to young people that the baseball community is invested in their futures.
