Friends of Baseball

Friends of Baseball (FOB) enhances children’s lives through the power of baseball and softball, using sports-based youth development to teach resilience, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

Founded in 2005, FOB was developed to address the inequities experienced by many of Portland’s at-risk youth, particularly youth of color. Accessibility barriers, including a lack of programming, high costs, and systemic bias, have limited access to out-of-school sports and enrichment programs. Sports help youth develop crucial social-emotional skills, such as patience, and confidence, which are vital for academic and life success.

FOB addresses inequities by blending sport with life skill development, helping youth make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and stay connected to school and community while avoiding risks. Our core initiatives provide comprehensive support to Portland-area youth, including out-of-school enrichment programs, free community clinics, year-round mentorship, gear distribution, transportation, meals, and postsecondary planning services. By providing consistent, year-over-year programming for youth from age 6 through high school, our program graduates are equipped with life skills that will benefit them as they grow into adulthood.

With support from our community partners, Friends of Baseball has delivered accessible programming, scholarships, and resources to thousands of youth across our region. We collaborate closely with local schools and trusted community organizations to ensure our programs are rooted in cultural responsiveness and community connection. These partnerships help us reach the youth who need us most and create spaces where they feel seen, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Friends of Baseball (FOB) is proud to be part of the Education Co-Op because it aligns with our core belief that youth development and academic success are interconnected. As a sports-based youth development organization, we see firsthand how culturally affirming mentorship and team-based learning can empower a young person’s confidence in the classroom, on the field, and in their future. The Co-Op provides us with a powerful space to collaborate with like-minded organizations, strengthen our academic impact, and build a shared framework for equity and excellence. It’s an opportunity to grow not only as a program, but as a partner in a broader movement to create lasting change for youth across Oregon.

Contact Information

Aaron Dickson, Executive Director

aaron@friendsofbaseball.org