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WHEREAS, the Greenfield Baseball Association (GBA) is the oldest continually operating community youth baseball league in the City of Pittsburgh, beginning with an appeal letter sent to neighbors on February 15, 1951, a first meeting of the “founders” on February 22, 1951, and the first games held in the spring of that year; and,
WHEREAS, hundreds of dedicated volunteers have made it possible for GBA to provide youth baseball programs annually for 75 years, through wars, recessions, and the more recent pandemic, thus remaining a reliable pillar of the community continuing to present day. GBA remains a truly volunteer-run, community-based non-profit sports organization; and,
WHEREAS, throughout all leadership changes, the mission of GBA has held steadily for 75 years: The objectives of the Greenfield Baseball Association shall be to implant in the children of our community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, courage, reverence, and to assist in their development in becoming model citizens of our community; and,
WHEREAS, GBA currently has over 360 children participating in the spring 2026 season. Players range from age 3 (in t-ball) through age 18 (in Super Colt) and come from not just the Greenfield neighborhood, but many other City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods and communities outside the City’s border; serving the larger population with no residency requirements limiting children from playing in a high-quality program.; and,
WHEREAS, through sound financial planning, fundraising, and massive volunteer efforts, GBA keeps registration costs substantially lower than other local leagues, at about a third of other organizations’ current prices. Moreover, it is GBA policy that no child will be turned away due to financial reasons, so scholarships are often awarded to bridge any accessibility gaps; and,
WHEREAS, GBA maintains long-term community connections with local sponsors and supporters, including businesses like Edward P. Kanai, Jr. Funeral Home-the baseball organization’s first sponsor, which continues to donate and sponsor teams to this day. GBA connects donors, sponsors, and local businesses to the community, which increases financial assistance for youth recreational programs; and,
WHEREAS, for 75 years, GBA has provided countless opportunities for neighbors to come together for recreational events, not just baseball games, but community gatherings like All-Star Day, special tournaments benefiting various charities, holiday parties, free movie nights, Bingo fundraisers for families in need, Trophy Day picnics, and more; and,
WHEREAS, GBA is a co-ed baseball organization that supports any girl or boy who wants to play baseball. Understanding the special circumstances surrounding the history of girls and women in baseball, in recent years GBA has targeted girls’ baseball programming to raise participation rates of girls in the sport, with successful increase in numbers registering; and,
WHEREAS, with the regional and national youth sports environment rapidly changing and moving away from community-based models, GBA is staunchly committed to remaining a neighborhood resource focused on accessibility, quality, and support for the City of Pittsburgh’s youth;
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh congratulates the Greenfield Baseball Association on 75 years of invaluable service to our community’s children; and,
BE IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, June 6th, 2026, to be “Greenfield Baseball Association Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.