ABOUT US

Baseball is a game that is loved and passed down through generations of parents teaching their children at very young ages.
The experiences of these children and the skills developed through playing the game at a young age serve them for the rest of their lives.

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE

WHO WE ARE

We at the U Deserve a Chance Foundation work hard to level the playing field in youth baseball for players as well as hometown recreation organizations. We are a non-profit organization created to promote the game of baseball in communities and to develop young baseball players.

OUR MISSION

UDACF aims to bridge the financial gap for individuals and organizations that are unable to afford the spiraling costs of participating in the sport. In doing this, we hope to help pave pathways to the future for our youth in need.

The mission of U Deserve A Chance Foundation is to promote and grow the game of baseball in under-served communities; and, to create life opportunities for young baseball players in need by developing their skills and abilities at the highest level.

THE KEYS TO OUR SUCCESS

  • Dedicated former Major League Baseball players committed to keeping the love of baseball alive in our communities and willing to “pay it forward”
    with their time and devotion to the development of young athletes.
  • Dedicated volunteer coaches and parents in local community and
    recreation organizations taking on the challenge of teaching young children the basics of the game.
  • Structured programs designed to teach, encourage and assist underserved community baseball organizations and coaches.
  • Bridging the financial gap for athletes in need to give them a chance to
    showcase to their abilities at the college level and above.
  • People and organizations that understand how the game of baseball can change a young person’s life and are willing to contribute time and money to make it happen!

Check out our long-term goals!

WHY OUR MISSION IS SO IMPORTANT

Little League participation has declined
20% since its peak in 1997

Community baseball rec organizations struggle to attract and retain qualified administrators & coaches

Travel & showcase ball at the High School level costs on average $6,000 per year $24,000 over 4 years

Participation fees & equipment costs are driving away families unable to afford higher costs at younger ages

Lack of training for volunteer coaches results in more player injuries at younger ages

The path to play in college & above has become affordable for only upper-middle class families

WAYS WE HELP

Ways-to-help-revisions

Ways to Help Revisions

Beginning in 2014-2018, UDACF provided assistance to certain players to participate in two separate bus trip events. A two-day Spring...
All-Star-Game

UDACF Allstar Games

UDACF hosts the Annual CAROLINA ALLSTAR GAMES that are FREE to all players selected. The 27 players selected are comprised...
Baseball Player

Athlete Sponsorships

UDACF provides opportunities for individual athletes that are unable to afford the spiraling costs of participating in the sport. In...
UDACF Kids Camp

Skills Camps for Kids

UDACF coaches and staff deliver structured multi-level instructional camps for young athletes. These camps include lecture time that focuses on...
Baseball Equipment

Baseball Equipment Provisions

For the fields: many local rec organizations lack sufficient basic equipment to effectively run baseball games and tournaments. This can...
Baseball Coach

Coaches Clinics

UDACF coaches and staff have developed structured educational and assistance resources designed to provide local rec organizations additional capabilities to...

MEET OUR TEAM

Our executive team is made up of individuals bonded by two common themes:
a love of baseball and the desire to create opportunities for young people. Our team members have all been inspired by the game of baseball in such a powerful and positive way that they want young people around the country to reap the same benefits that they have from the game.

Jeff Schaefer headshot crop

JEFF SCHAEFER

President

Jeff is a former major league baseball player that founded the UDACF in 2014. After years of coaching, he noticed a trend where underserved kids in the Charlotte area were not participating due to costs associated with the game of baseball and youth sports in general.  Jeff started the UDACF as a way to combat this trend and give back to the game that provided so many opportunities in his own life. From being major league baseball player to a now community leader Jeff looks forward to continuing to grow the UDACF. He hopes to inspire a new generation of ball players that can one day give back to the communities that helped them achieve their dreams.

Sue Zike

SUE WILSON

Vice President & Treasurer

Joe Pavone 2

JOE PAVONE

Executive Director

andrew zike headshot crop

ANDREW ZIKE

Secretary

DJ 2

DJ MOSRIE

Operational Advisor