Legion coach collecting baseball items for academy in Dominion Republic

OTTAWA - When Matt Rau was young he ate, slept and dreamed about baseball.

His passion for baseball continued as an adult. Rau has been coaching baseball for ten years.

Now Rau, Ottawa American Legion Assistant Head Coach, wants to take this passion to help young men in the Dominican Republican

Rau has announced his collaboration with ‘I Love Baseball’, a program of Children of the Nations that uses the game of baseball to connect people and organizations in the U.S. and around the world with those in the Dominican Republic. 

Rau said he stumbled across the program on the internet while looking for a way to give back to baseball.

‘It’s always been good to me,” he said. “I wanted to give back in some way.”

Now Rau is collecting baseballs, bats and protection gear to use at the ILB Baseball and Educational Academy in Barahona, DR.

“On any given day you can see kids playing with baseball gloves made out of cardboard and using sticks as bats.  While all baseball equipment is needed, the greatest need is for balls, wood bats, and gloves.  In addition to those items, protective cups and supporters, cleats, and used uniform pants are also in need.  I am accepting both new and used gear,” Rau said 

He began looking for some program following the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, 2010 earthquake in Haiti and when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast in 2005.

“I went to the Gulf as a volunteer a few times on service trips,” he said. “Hearing about those types of tragedies makes you want to help others.”

The ILB Baseball and Educational Academy opened in 2008. There are currently 23 young men ages 14–19 who practice with a coach in the morning, eat a nutritious meal prepared by cook at midday (for most this is the only true meal of the day), and attend school during the afternoon.  Participation in the program requires players to maintain an average of 80% of all possible points in each class, meet with local community mentors, and attend a weekly men's group. 

"The ILB’s strong emphasis on education is the key component my involvement,” Rau said.

He began fundraising and collecting baseball items last March. “I sent out emails to coaches and service organizations,” Rau said. He also spoke to groups about the needs of the academy.

Rau is also planning to take a trip to the ILB Baseball and Educational Academy.  “Baseball has provided me with the opportunity to give back to my community, as well as to those in areas of the world that are less fortunate.  I feel giving back to baseball through the ILB organization is a great opportunity that I cannot pass up." 

Those wanting to donate baseball items may call Rau at 419-488-2840 or you may drop items off at the Putnam Voice office at 115 S. Fair Ave. Ottawa.