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The Story Begins
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In 2005, Chris McCoy, a student tech entrepreneur and retired baseball player at the University of Washington, joined a University Ministries trip led by Pastor Mike Gaffney to play baseball in the Dominican Republic.
Partnering with ex-UW Husky baseball coach Dale Parker, who donated the first-ever equipment to the program, McCoy brought baseball gear to the kids of Barahona. This experience would prove to be the spark for something greater.
Fueled by a passion for baseball and a desire to make a difference
McCoy embarked on another transformative journey to the Dominican Republic in 2006, this time accompanied by fellow student and future co-founder Ben Holman. During this visit, McCoy and Holman recognized the need for a program that combined baseball and education, with the goal of building something long-term oriented and economically sustainable. In Barahona, McCoy pitched the idea of starting a non-profit called “I Love Baseball” to Holman to continue the work they were doing as students into their early careers. Holman took a few days to think and pray, and then committed to joining McCoy’s startup to lead ILB full-time.
McCoy and Holman formally established the I Love Baseball (ILB) foundation in 2006, marking the birth of a startup non-profit combining their shared loves: baseball and the young men of Barahona. As the non-profit program began to take shape, they assembled a team of passionate individuals who shared their beliefs, including Brian Bauer, Brandon Bleek, Seth Yates, Ryan Church, and Ellen Ramm, each bringing their unique skills and dedication to the cause. The founding ILB team worked tirelessly across a network of locations at the University of Washington, from the buzzing energy of 24-hour Starbucks at University Village to the inspiring office spaces above The Ave on 42nd. Even amid the challenges of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, the team’s resolve never wavered, with McCoy leading from the front lines of his home garage, fighting to keep both ILB and YourSports alive and thriving.
As ILB’s impact grew, the organization partnered with Adrian Beltre of the Seattle Mariners through the Mariners Wives Club. Their generosity and belief in ILB’s mission proved invaluable during the late 2000s and early 2010s, providing the vital lifeline that allowed the organization to weather the storms and emerge stronger than ever.
Woven throughout ILB’s early journey were moments of realization and growth, each serving as a testament to the power of perseverance, the human spirit, and a commitment to the cause.
2007: A third trip to the Dominican Republic crystallized the crucial role of education in the program, forever shaping its core mission.
2008: ILB’s partnership with Children of the Nations’ (COTN) ministry in the Dominican Republic marked a signi cant milestone, elevating the program’s reach and impact.
Keli’s artistic brilliance brought the spirit of ILB to life, crafting a logo that paid homage to the legendary Pedro Martinez and the dreams of countless young athletes.
Holman’s unwavering commitment to ILB’s success, even as he stood alongside McCoy in building YourSports, exemplifed the depths of their shared vision.
As McCoy ventured to Silicon Valley to champion YourSports, Holman seamlessly assumed the mantle of leadership at ILB, guiding the program to new heights with the unwavering support of the entire team. In a remarkable testament to ILB’s impact and potential, COTN eventually embraced the program as its own, welcoming Holman and the entire ILB family into its fold.
Ben eventually graduated into a career in real estate and residential housing development, while ILB’s Fraser Ratzlaff (Director of Partner Engagement) led the next evolution of ILB.
From the earliest days, ILB was shaped by the extraordinary contributions of key individuals who believed in the transformative power of baseball and education:
Today, the I Love Baseball program provides baseball and educational opportunities to boys living in poverty in the Dominican Republic, making a lasting di erence and preparing young men to become the future leaders of their community.
