The ongoing partnership between Pirates Charities and Good Sports brought more than $15,000 in brand new sports equipment to Squirrel Hill Baseball Association, with assistance from Pirates pitcher, Chris Archer. The donated gear included items like baseball bats, gloves, catcher’s gear, and helmets for the players. 

 Squirrel Hill Baseball Association provides baseball opportunities to youth in the community between the ages of three to 17. On Thursday, July 18, 20 young ball players and their coaches were present to witness the $15,500 donation arrive on their home field of Frick Park in Squirrel Hill.  

 The President of Squirrel Hill Baseball Association, Randy Frankel, mentioned how appreciative the community was upon receipt of the donation. “We are very grateful to Chris Archer, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Good Sports for their generous donation,” Frankel said. 

 “We are so excited to be teaming up with Chris Archer and Pirates Charities this year to support the youth of Pittsburgh,” adds Christy Keswick, Good Sports’ co-founder and Chief Operating Officer. “Together, we are thrilled to help provide the tools and resources Squirrel Hill needs to keep children happy and active.” 

 To cap off the event, the young ball players were surprised with an appearance from Pirates pitcher Chris Archer. He spoke with the youth athletes, answering their questions about his professional career and his personal successes from playing sports. Archer made sure to spend time with each player, getting to know them and taking pictures together. 

 Pirates Charities and Good Sports are in the first year of their partnership, with this being the second of three planned donations to benefit Pittsburgh youth. Pirates Charities supports multiple nonprofits and community organizations throughout Pittsburgh via charitable giving and volunteer efforts. Nationally, Good Sports provides brand new sports equipment, gear and apparel to youth programs that are in need. And Chris Archer has been an ally to Good Sports for the past four years.