By: Katelynn Wright
Baseball season is officially back and Walk Off Charities is stepping up to the plate to make sure every child in Jacksonville has the chance to play the beloved game.
Based out of Fort Family Regional Park in Baymeadows, Walk Off Charities operates at a facility featuring three baseball fields, two multi-purpose fields and batting cages that are available for public rent. The nonprofit was founded by Frank Frangie, a 1010XL radio host, who wanted to break down financial barriers that often prevent kids from playing baseball.
“Baseball has become a very expensive sport,” said Kenedy Grayson, Marketing Director for Walk Off Charities. “So, he [Frangie] really wanted every kid to have the opportunity to play.”
Beyond maintaining fields, Walk Off Charities runs free recreational leagues, hosts high school tournaments and organizes hands-on baseball clinics throughout the city. One of those initiatives includes partnering with Duval County Schools to take third graders to the park for clinics that teach pitching, hitting, throwing, and catching. Each child even receives their own glove to take home.
Intern Hayden Brown says the clinics are especially impactful for kids who may not otherwise have access to baseball.
“Seeing the smiles and laughs is the reason why we do this,” Brown said.
The organization also offers free recreational leagues in 17 parks across Jacksonville, serving more than 800 children. By teaching baseball, building confidence, and removing financial burdens, Walk Off Charities is helping young athletes across Jacksonville step up to the plate — on and off the field.