Link to our website

Christina Ames

Christina is a long-time player in the league. She is 22 years old and attends Focus Academy. Christina's older sister Maria plays for Buddy Big Leagues. Her younger sister finished her freshman year at the University of Central Florida. If she had $1000, Christina would buy Dora memorabilia. Her most prized possession is her calendar. She always marks her Buddy Baseball games and times on her calendar. If she would be famous, it would be for remembering dates. She always looks forward to playing the games. Christina enjoys receiving her new uniform and having McDonald's at the Meet & Greet. The highlight of the season is getting the game ball and going to the Buddy Baseball Bash.

Wyatt Cross

Wyatt is 16 years old and is a long-time buddy with Buddy Baseball. He attends King High School's IB program. Wyatt is the oldest of three boys and likes raspberries for breakfast. His favorite restaurant is Chipotle and is favorite subject in school is Government. If he were famous, it would be for living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C.

Wyatt said that he likes playing Buddy Baseball because it is fun playing with friends, especially with his teammate Matt.

Jayleen Souffront

Jayleen will be 11 years old in July and attends Pizzo Elementary. She loves space, NASA, and rockets/shuttles. She loves Legos and is really, really good at building with them. Jayleen's favorite subject in school is Math. When she grows up, she wants to be a rocket builder. She really enjoys spending time with her buddy Catherine. Her Mom says, "That's the part she most looks forward to!"

Andrew Whiting

Andrew has two sons that both are in Buddy baseball, his oldest son Zachary is a buddy and his younger son Gabriel is a player. Andrew first started out volunteering as an announcer and then stepped up to be assistant coach for the Jaguars and he is "having a blast!" He loves science fiction and fantasy. He paints and builds sci fi models. Andrew also loves board games. His favorite memory as a coach was getting heckled by his players when he pitched the first time. "I can't wait for Buddy Baseball to get going again!"

Julia Wilcox

Julia Wilcox is a Tampa native. Her son Jonathon plays on the Cobras. She is a full time paralegal and part time real estate agent. Julia's hobbies include snorkeling, kayaking and gardening. Fun fact: she can ride a motorcycle. "I love Buddy Baseball for what it does for my son. He gets so much joy and a sense of belonging being a part of his team."

Mark Elliman

Mark has been volunteering with Buddy Baseball for six seasons. He grew up in Fort Lauderdale. Mark has a 26 year old son and is a retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant. He is a Gulf War veteran and was on the Medical Response Team at the Pentagon post 9/11. He is also a retired civil service employee from the Veterans Administration. Mark enjoys all sports, biking, fishing, beaches, comedy, and camping out. Fun fact: He once owned a snow cone truck business in New Mexico with 36 flavors and a cotton candy machine.

 

This is what Mark had to say about Buddy Baseball. "This is the best program I've ever had the privilege of being involved with...happiness come from helping others. I've made several great lasting friendships from volunteering with Buddy Baseball." Thanks for volunteering Mark, we are so lucky to have you!

A look behind the scenes on what needs to be done for game day. On Friday night after work, two of us go over to the fields, pick up the trash, hang up the big Buddy Baseball banner and other banners on the fence. We also blow off all of the dirt, sand and leaves around the bleachers to make sure that it is nice and clean. When we have cookouts, we also clean the covered court and pick up the trash around the area.

 

On game day, our volunteer crew of about six people or so (it varies from week to week, sometimes more, sometimes less) show up at 8:00 am to get the three fields ready for play. Our first of ten games starts at 9:30 am. Our Buddy Baseball flag and parking signs are put up out front. Orange traffic cones and "No Parking" signs are put out in the parking lot and game schedule board hung on the fence. The fields need to be lined; announcers tables and chairs needs to be set up. P.A. systems, first aid kit, game balls, team folders, music and concession snack box are all set up as well.  

 

Three to four volunteers are needed to set up the 10' x 20' canopies for Field #3 dugouts (our grass field). Two volunteers will get ice from the Temple Terrace Recreation Center and the grocery store and fill our water coolers and drink tubs. Helmet holders, water coolers, water cups and trash buckets are placed in each of the six dugouts. Sponsor signs and flags are put up. Bats and batting Tees are placed on the field. We make sure the restrooms are clean and stocked. The complete grounds set up takes a little over an hour or so.

 

After the main work is done, some of our volunteers are done for the day. Others stick around all day and tend to what is needed, such as, re-chalking the batter's box, fill up the water coolers, empty the water cup trash bucket, and more.

 

We provide lunch for the volunteers, usually pizza or sandwiches. At the end of the day, it all has to come down and put away.

 

That is a peek of what goes on before you arrive and after you depart. We couldn't have our games without our dedicated volunteers. The set up and breakdown on game days are truly a team effort. Next time you see our volunteers in blue shirts, be sure to thank them.

(813) 416-5742

Executive Director