Batavia league calls for used equipment to help struggling league

Every summer, Karen Gross drives her sons to Batavia Youth Baseball games and practices.

When the team needs a new bat or a player needs a new glove, the solution is simple: buy one.

Kids and parents in Harvey, however, don't always have that as an option.

Some days, the league struggles to get enough gloves or helmets to even play a game.

Gross wants to do what she can to help.

"I couldn't imagine our lives without baseball because we are so involved all summer long," she said. "If we can help others have that same experience, it will be worth all the effort."

Batavia Youth Baseball will collect used equipment to donate to the Harvey Little League during its annual summer baseball tournament July 17 to 20. The league is expecting teams from Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa and local communities to attend.

Gross found out about Harvey's struggles through a Web site. She then sent information to all the teams asking for help in the drive.

"When you find out someone needs something, you want to help them," she said. "All of us have what we need. So we try to give to kids who don't have (the equipment)."

Harvey Little League President Yassim Ali said he received an overwhelming response to the call for help and it could serve as a learning experience for Harvey Little Leaguers.

"It's important for the kids to even understand what's happening with other cities helping," he said. "One day, after we build our stadium, there may be an opportunity they can use to help out another city."

In recent years, Harvey's Little League, once as strong as its other sports programs, has deteriorated to the point of near extinction.

"They turned the Little League field into a softball field," Ali said. "... Holes in the outfield, gates falling apart, no paint, plumbing issues. It's just terrible."

Ali said more than 40 local communities and the Chicago White Sox, as well as the Legacy Fund of Thornton High School, have contacted the league.

And the response in Batavia has been just as strong.

"Everybody has just been really excited about it," Gross said. "I got a few calls asking where they can send equipment. I'm going to have a garage full of equipment. Baseball is America's past time and every kid should have the chance to play."

For more information on donations, call Gross at (630) 761-1964.

How to help

When to donate: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 17 to 20 at baseball fields, or during regular business hours at Gibby's Wine Den in Geneva before July 24

Where to take equipment:

Batavia High School baseball field, 1200 W. Wilson St.

Moose Lodge Field, 1535 S. Batavia Ave.

Woodard Field, 501 S. River St., Batavia

Gibby's Wine Den, 1772 S. Randall Road, Ste. 220, Geneva

Where to send money:

Harvey Little League, P.O. box 1098, Harvey, IL 60426.