Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) helping those in need
- Erik Nilsen, Executive Director of the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T)
- Mark talks about Players aiding others, David Price, Nelson Cruz and then discovering B.A.T.
- Origin: B.A.T. began under Peter Ueberroth, Commissioner of Baseball in 1986
- Baseball Assistance Team helps people in the Baseball community with a short term bridge
- Applicants include, players, coaches, minor leaguers, clubhouse employees, widows,
- During natural disasters B.A.T has provided a short term bridge for people in need with housing, medical expenses, food, utilities, prescriptions & funeral expenses
- Tim McDowell leads program on Mental Health & Addiction program helping to pay for rehab & therapists
- Expanding Reach with Minor League consultants in Panama, Puerto Rico, West Coast, East Coast and around the world
- Covid Pandemic increased need resulting in over 1200 applications to B.A.T. for aid
- MLB pays for B.A.T. salaries & expenses so all B.A.T. contributions go directly to those in need
- Main source of funding is from Major League Baseball Players contributions through payroll deductions
- Many B.A.T. employees have a history in baseball and have a greater understanding of those in need within baseball
- Financial counseling & also work with Direct Path to give applicants a way to minimize their medical costs
- Aiding former players integrate back into society after their careers with consulting & finding job opportunities
- Adam Jones & Gary Thorne help with scholarship program for degrees & vocational schools
- Andy Lane story – B.A.T. aided the Lane family with the health and development of their son Jackson
- Ability to impact lives & making a difference
- Funding & demand – Players’ generosity is the majority of where their funding comes from
- Fans can participate and make donations or participate in auctions Signed jerseys & memorabilia auction for Fans
- B.A.T. Application process
- Where is the greatest need?
loss of income, medical emergencies, addiction, disasters & families in need
Thank you to Erik Nilsen & The Baseball Assistance Team for being a lifeline to those in the baseball community
If you know someone in need or just want to know more you can reach out to B.A.T. at BAT@MLB.com or speak to them directly Monday -Friday at 212-931-7822 where they have a bi-lingual staff who can answer your questions.
https://www.mlb.com/baseball-assistance-team
Special Thanks to Erik Nilsen for sharing the story of the Baseball Assistance Team
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