Ryan Hoffman (left), Scott Hillhouse (right) Photo Phil Hoffman
On Saturday, March 6, the Moraga Baseball Association (MBA) held its Opening Day Ceremony with refreshments, music, the traditional first pitch, and introduction of the Campolindo Cougar varsity base-ball team. Not only was it a fun day with great weather, but it was also the last day of a six-week long Used Baseball Equipment Drive that resulted in the collection of over $30,000 of equipment, valued as if new.
This equipment drive was led by MBA veteran Ryan Hoff-man, now a Campolindo freshman baseball player, and Scott Hillhouse, a current MBA Bronco player and Rheem Elementary School fifth grade student. Hoffman and Hillhouse were assisted by friend Ryan Hooper and little sisters Annie and Olivia Hillhouse.
Over the past six weeks, Hoffman coordinated with the organization "Used Baseball Equipment for Inner City Kids" to determine needs in the Bay Area. He then published advertisements in the MBA and Campolindo High School newsletters. Thanks to the generosity of MBA, LMYA, Campolindo Baseball, and many families in both Moraga and Lafayette, Ryan and Scott collected nearly 1,500 items including bags, balls, bats, catchers equipment, cleats, gloves, mitts, first aid kits, helmets, tees, field equipment, training aids, home plates, bases, and clothing. This equipment will be donated to underfunded baseball programs throughout the East Bay.