Published in the Westchester Guardian, March 2013
Helping the Forgotten and the Troubled Who Played a Part
“I am having a sunshine day. I just came from the ear doctor. I was having trouble hearing and can now hear because I could finally afford a hearing aid thanks to BAT. Now that I can hear, everyday is a happy day! Next up is my eyes since they are pretty bad but in the meantime I wear glasses that help. My doctor’s checkup is coming soon. I have a weak knee and walk with a cane. I’ve fallen a few times but have no broken bones. Thank God! That’s all for now but I just wanted to thank you again for your help.” A former Negro League player.
When one thinks of baseball and player finances, the first image that comes to mind is not the above. We forget how the salaries were 30 plus years ago, before Marvin Miller, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and quality pension planning became predominate. We forget about minor league players who never make it to the big leagues and big money. We forget about, or more likely never hear about the umpires’ salary or the back office personnel. The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) does not forget.
B.A.T. is a 501© (3) organization – a non-profit corporation. Their sole function/mission is to aid former players, umpires, office personnel – the entire baseball family – with financial resources through difficult times. But the Team doesn’t stop just with the dollars; BAT has a crisis prevention program with trained individuals.
B.A.T was created in 1986, by a group of former ball players with the mission of confidentially helping members of the entire baseball family who had no place else to turn. In 1991, through a one-time contribution of seed money from the MLBPA, Major League Baseball and the Freedom Foundation, an endowment was established. Today, they continue the capability of making individual payments to those “in need of medical, financial or psychological assistance”; however, it is not to be considered as a supplement or replacement to any pension plans. Eligibility rules are: any MLB player, (play in one game and you eligible), or three years of services as an umpire, a minor league player, coach or manager; a former Negro League player; or a full-time employee of a Major or Minor League club. Employees of MLB Network and MLB Productions are also eligible for support as well as scouts, trainers, Women’s Professional Baseball League, widows, spouses, and children age 23 and younger.
Every year their outreach grows. Their expanded Awareness Committee, through March Awareness Month, has reached out to every major league club. Jim Herrmann, a grant recipient and son of 11 year veteran Ed “Hoggy” Herrmann as well as Tim McLoughin, has set a B.A.T. fund raising record by visiting all 30 MLB teams within 15 days. Former all stars such as Bob Watson also joined the tour along with grant recipients sharing their stories of B.A.T.’s, positive effects for them and their families. Over fourteen hundred baseball personnel contributed $2.5 million, exceeding last year’s total. The latest numbers show $28 million distributed through 3,000+ confidential grants. Every dollar raised is used for support. Their offices are maintained and located at the Major League Baseball’s headquarters.
Discretion and confidentiality are keys to its success. That is one reason why they have retired players involved and on the various Boards, helping to reach out to the various cultures making up the baseball Family. These include former players such as Bob Gibson, Frank Torre, and Whitey Ford. To reach out to the baseball family in Latin American, B.A.T. has set up an office in the Dominican Republic.
Says Joseph Grippo, the executive director of B.A.T.: “Our best-case scenario is that everybody currently employed by a Major League Baseball organization — right down to the Minor League affiliates — at least, has the information in their hands. Then they can read it. If they have the information in their hands, they can let us know if they or someone they know needs assistance.”
Every year their “Going to Bat for B.A.T. Fundraising Dinner” held in January, honors a veteran who exemplifies their mission. Last year it was Willie Mays, this year it was Yogi Berra. There were over a hundred players in attendance including nine Hall of Famers. The Dinner also represents a chance for fans to meet with the players.
Remember “Sudden” Sam McDowell? He has overcome many trials and addictions and now is head of the addiction recovery program. He has degrees in sports psychology and addiction. (God somehow leads us to the right designation if we listen and let Him.)
Some players have depression and severe low self-esteem issues with a history of self-medication issues. The recovery program “has helped more than 100 people overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling”. They have a 100% success rate. McDowell states, “that for the past 25+ years, baseball has had over 20 (players) caught up in ideation or actual (suicide) attempts.” “I also monitor their addiction recovery by confirming their attendance at Alcoholic Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous and the entire recovery program”. He has been doing it for the past 25 years.
“I wanted to thank you for all of the support BAT has given us. We have been doing so well and the main reason has been because we’ve had time to heal and recover as a family. My wife and I have taken time to pray and think about our future and we have decided that we will no longer be needing support. It has been just what we needed but now we feel it is time to step out our own. We are on our way to spring training and are hopeful for our future. We have a backup plan if baseball does not work out. I am re-enrolled back in school and if baseball does not progress we will pursue finishing my degree. BAT gave our family great motivation to look to the future of our family. We cannot thank you enough for your care and generosity.” — A minor league player.
#1007
Glenn Slaby Blog