In 2017, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in what is considered one of the greatest natural disasters in U.S. history. In 2020, Puerto Rico experienced a 6.4 magnitude earthquake. And just two years later, in 2022, Puerto Rico was hit with yet another catastrophe, Hurricane Fiona.

These catastrophes have inflicted tens of billions of dollars of damage and tragically affected millions of lives across Puerto Rico. Sadly, the recovery process has been long and difficult across the island. Even six years after Hurricane Maria, the heavy toll from these events continues to profoundly impact communities throughout the region.

These natural disasters also struck right at the heart and soul of Puerto Rico: Baseball. For generations, baseball has brought together communities and provided hope to children across the Island. The impact has been particularly devastating for youth baseball and softball programs, which are still reeling from damaged fields and lack of resources.

Over 10,000 children play Little League baseball in Puerto Rico. Baseball is the most popular sport on the Island and has been a positive influence on the lives of Puerto Rican youth, providing hope, leadership and opportunity. In the wake of the Hurricane Maria, youth baseball and softball programs have suffered as fields were ravaged and resources to support these programs were depleted. To this day, these programs have not recovered and continue to need assistance to restore their proper place in the communities of Puerto Rico.

Pitch In For Puerto Rico was founded to help youth baseball and softball programs recover from the effects of the natural disasters and assist these programs in empowering children across Puerto Rico.

I founded Pitch In For Puerto Rico after I turned 15. I've been to Puerto Rico countless times to visit my grandparents. Following Hurricane Maria and the subsequent natural disasters that affected the island, I witnessed the widespread destruction across the Island. As I grew older, I was determined to find a way to help in any way I could.

Baseball has always been an important part of my life, playing throughout the year for my local travel baseball team and my high school. After realizing the effects that catastrophes had on youth baseball across the island, I created Pitch In For Puerto Rico to help the sport regain its important role in the lives of Puerto Rican children and communities.

Through collaborating with local corporate and non-profit partners, Pitch In For Puerto Rico is a 501 (c)(3) organization that strengthens communities by helping to rebuild and refurbish athletic fields, collecting and distributing new and used equipment, and providing scholarships to youth baseball and softball players that demonstrate both academic and athletic excellence.

Sincerely,
Anthony Carlos Bozza