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Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) Erik Nilsen discusses helping those in need

August 03, 2022 @TheBaseballBiz Mark Corbett with Erik Nilsen Episode 158

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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