PROJECT BASEBALL
Q: What does Project Baseball AZ offer that other clubs in Arizona don’t?
A: Not only are all of our coaches former professional players, but they also are all Latino and provide a unique cultural experience for our young players. They often share stories of their childhood playing baseball in the streets with little resources, show them the makeshift ways they learned to play the game, and teach them lessons their coaches taught them back home.
Q: What is Project Baseball AZ's mission?
A: Our mission is to put our players on the path toward respect, integrity, honesty, principles and values through the game of baseball. We want to teach our players the value of doing the right thing all the time no matter where you are, to remember where you come from so you know where you're trying to go.
Q: Are donations to Project Baseball AZ tax deductible?
A: Yes, we are considered a 501(c)(3) by the IRS and donations are tax deductible.
Q: What do sponsorships and donations goes toward?
A: One of the main reasons we chose to become a non-profit was to be able to provide scholarships to players to not only posses the baseball skills, but also who are committed to our main mission of learning respect, integrity, honesty, principles and values in order to grow into a better man on and off the field.
Q: What makes Project Baseball AZ "more than baseball"?
A: It has always been close to Coach Huascar's heart to give back to those in need. In his own personal life, he is a believer of God and in Proverbs 11:24 it says "One person gives freely, yet gains even more". All of the Project Baseball AZ coaches try to emphasize humility and generosity, they encourage the players and their families to help each other when in need and to participate in community service projects. Each season, Project Baseball AZ organizes one community service project for the players to do together whether it's building beds for children in Phoenix or packing food bags for Our Starving Children. We are always looking for opportunities to connect with our community and give back in some way.
Starting in 2023, Project Baseball AZ also started a week-long summer camp in the Dominican Republic. This is not only an amazing opportunity for some of our players to experience a different culture, see first hand where their coaches grew up and learned the game of baseball and learn about the process of a Latino minor/major league player's journey to the MLB, but it also is an opportunity for our players to connect with other young baseball players their age in the DR, give them a unique cultural experience and personally donate any equipment to help young Dominicans pursue their baseball dreams.
Q: What are the fees to play for Project Baseball?
A: Monthly dues are $285/month during the season and tournament dues are $120/tournament. Because Project Baseball allocates these funds specifically toward facilities, coaches and tournament registration fees, once these payments are made they become non-refundable. As a non-profit we fundraise to try to offset fees as well as provide scholarships to selected players. These funds however, are limited to the amount we get from fundraising.
Q: What are the expectations of a Project Baseball player's committment?
A: When a player commits to Project Baseball, the expectation is that they will be a part of the team through the Fall and Spring season (just like a school year has a Fall and Spring semester) then the new season starts the following Fall. If a player decides to leave Project Baseball before the Spring season has ended, they must give a 30 day notice before we officially remove them from our rosters and payment plan.
Q: How do the coaches communicate with families?
A: GameChanger is our main form of group communication however, Kristina Fuentes sends consistent updated information through email. All coaches (and Kristina) are also available via call or text as well.
Q: How often do the teams practice and compete?
A: During the season (August-December or January-May) teams practice twice a week and play approximately two tournaments a month (usually USSSA or Perfect Game). In between seasons, practice is not mandatory but coaches offer specialty camps and private lessons.