The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) has launched a new scholarship program designed to award former Major League and Minor League Players in financial need with assistance as they pursue collegiate or other advanced degrees following their playing career. The program intends to promote financial self-sufficiency by way of educational and vocational pursuits in support of the players' career growth goals. During the 2018-2019 academic calendar, $500,000 is being allocated for scholarships, which can be awarded to those in need who plan to pursue their education.   
B.A.T. Board Member and MASN broadcaster Gary Thorne is serving as the chair of the scholarship committee. Other B.A.T. Board members on the committee include Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, former four-time All-Star third baseman Sal Bando, and Diane Margolin, widow of late MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner. 
"Over the years, we have provided assistance to individuals in a number of areas of personal concern, and we are proud of the lives we have improved when there was nowhere else to turn," said B.A.T. President, Randy Winn. "Thanks to the generosity of so many people, we are now able to offer this scholarship program. Increasingly, we have seen too many former players without career options after their playing careers have ended. Professional baseball players have so many positive qualities that can transfer to the workplace, so, we hope this scholarship offering can help many of them take their first step toward a new professional career of their choice." 
Through the program, scholarship recipients will receive financial assistance toward their desired education, with the scholarship covering a period no longer than one academic or program year. Eligible applicants include players who have at least one day of Major League service or at least two full seasons of service as a player with a Minor League Club that is, or was, a member of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. 
The Baseball Assistance Team, now in its 33rd year, is a unique organization within the sport dedicated to confidentially assisting members of the Baseball Family who are in need through charitable contributions in a variety of forms, including financial grants, healthcare resources and rehabilitative counseling.  
In 2017, B.A.T., a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization, assisted a record amount of applicants (350). To date, the organization has awarded more than $38 million in grants, benefiting more than 3,900 members of the Baseball Family, including current and former, on-field Major & Minor League personnel (players, managers, coaches) as well as scouts, umpires, athletic trainers, Major & Minor League front office personnel, Negro League players, and players from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. B.A.T.'s coverage also extends to widow, widowers and children, ages 23 and under, of the above groups. All aid provided by B.A.T. is strictly confidential, allowing those in need to receive help discreetly. For more information about the Baseball Assistance Team, please visit: BaseballAssistanceTeam.com, Facebook.com/BaseballAssistanceTeam or Twitter.com/BATcharity.