Cal Baseball Foundation

Golden Bear News & Notes 3 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Noah Jackson and the First Base Foundation Cal Baseball Foundation Board of Directors Officers Stuart Gordon, Chair Dan McInerny, Vice-chair Dan Deaver, Treasurer Ann Flemer, Secretary Current Term 2012 – 2014 * 2012 – 2014 * 2013 – 2015 2012 – 2014 * Voting Members Dave Amoroso 2013 – 2015 Nick Brereton 2013 – 2015 Brad Brian 2013 – 2015 * Chris Clapinski 2013 – 2015 James Holder 2012 – 2014 * Tom Hornaday 2013 – 2015 John Hughes 2013 – 2015 * Jesse Ingram 2013 – 2015 Kevin Maas 2013 – 2015 Tom McKissick 2012 – 2014 * Roslyn Payne 2012 – 2014 * Sam Petke 2013 – 2015 * Mylene Reuvekamp 2013 – 2015 Carl Stoney 2012 – 2014 * Gwyn-Mohr Tully 2012 – 2014 * Non-Voting Members Nicholas Dirks, UC Berkeley Chancellor Solly Fulp, Cal Athletic Department David Esquer, Head Baseball Coach * Founding board member serving since 2011 T he college baseball experience is an unforgettable time for anyone. But what about for those who don't know what it takes to get there or cannot afford to pay for elite baseball camps and showcases? Former Cal baseball player Noah Jackson is addressing this challenge by helping  young men make their college baseball dreams a reality.   After playing his final season at Cal in 2003, Jackson went on to play two seasons with the Chicago Cubs organization. With his professional baseball career over he wanted to find a way to create more opportunities for African Americans in baseball. Jackson founded The First Base Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that believes every student athlete should have equal opportunities  to pursue higher education and play college and professional baseball regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. The vision of The First Base Foundation is to make travel baseball more affordable, and to provide more student athletes with the opportunity to become California Warriors (First Base Foundation Sponsored teams). By advocating and providing recruitment assistance for young players, the Foundation is creating successful futures. Each student athlete sponsored by the Foundation is asked to make a total commitment both on the field and in the classroom and, in return, each is mentored through high school and into their second year of college. The results are nothing short of amazing. Over the past 10 years, the First Base Foundation has served over 3,000 student athletes—100% of whom have gone to college, with approximately 60% being first generation college students. Fifteen of the California Warriors have been selected in the Major League Baseball draft. Eight of Cal's current players are First Base Foundation alumni. Jackson has done an incredible job raising money through grass roots fundraising campaigns, and partnering with the A's and Giants community outreach as well as a number of generous individual sponsors. Nearly $85,000 in scholarships was given out last year alone, with approximately 68% of program participants receiving financial aid. In addition, the Foundation runs internship programs and creates employment opportunities for young adults. The majority of the interns are recruited from the Cal Career Fair each year. Noah's experience at Cal was a catalyst for an incredible vision that has broken down barriers for deserving and motivated young men seeking the opportunity to earn a college degree. Go Bears! Please check www.calbaseballfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation's activities in support of the Cal Baseball program. Facebook www.facebook.com/CalBaseballFoundation Cal Baseball Foundation c/o Comyns, Smith, McCleary & Deaver, LLP 3470 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Ste. A-110 • Lafayette, CA 94549 f

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