Press release and graphic from the Baseball United Foundation.
NEW YORK, NY – The Baseball United Foundation has announced the appointment of two new board members and a new slate of board officers. The new board members are:
- Kat D. Williams: An author, baseball historian, and professor of American history at Marshall University. Dr. Williams is also the board president of the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC).
- Patrick Winters, CAE/IOM: A consultant specializing in organizational evaluation and improvement with a focus on nonprofits and membership associations. Mr. Winters has previously served as Executive Director of the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals and the President/CEO of the Denver Area Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Credit Management
Williams first became aware of Baseball United through her membership in the Irish American Baseball Society. The Irish American Baseball Society is a nonprofit subsidiary of Baseball United that supports the growth of baseball in Ireland and researches the Irish American impact on baseball history in America.
“I was very interested in the work that Baseball United has done in Ireland and their plans to provide access to the game to children in other parts of the world,” said Williams. “I’ve devoted my life to providing access to the game of baseball to people all over the world, so it’s a great fit.”
Similarly, Patrick Winters first learned of Baseball United through his membership in the Irish American Baseball Society. Drawing on his background in organizational analysis and management, he volunteered to do an extensive review of Baseball United’s operations with the goal of helping the organization grow and maximize its impact.
“I spoke with Baseball United founder John Fitzgerald and several board members about the organization’s mission and programs,” explained Winters. “What I found was an organization with innovative ideas and a long track record of making a positive impact, especially in Ireland. As a proud Irish American and a lifelong baseball fan, I’m eager to help Baseball United implement best practices to ensure continued growth.”
The new board members began their 3-year terms, effective January 1, 2022.
Baseball United also elected board member Aidan Curtin as its new board chair. Curtin, who is active in Irish American causes through his involvement with the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 5 in Woodlawn, NY, has served on the Baseball United board since 2016.
“I’m honored to serve as board president of Baseball United and I’m looking forward to working with my fellow board members to share the game of baseball throughout Ireland and the world,” said Curtin.
Rounding out the new slate of board officers will be Vice-President Chris Foy, Treasurer John F. Fitzgerald, and Secretary Robert Score.
About the Baseball United Foundation
The Baseball United Foundation (BUF) was founded in 2006 by documentary filmmaker John J. Fitzgerald with a mission to support the development of youth baseball programs in Ireland. Baseball United currently runs and supports baseball programs in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Over 1,700 boys and girls participated in Baseball United programs in Northern Ireland in 2021.
Over time, Baseball United’s focus has expanded to include support for youth baseball programs in America and around the world, through two programs:
- Small Ball – A curriculum to help parents and volunteer coaches teach the game of baseball to players age 4-7 years old.
- Share Baseball Around the World – A fundraising program for international youth baseball organizations.
For more information on the Baseball United Foundation, please visit BaseballUnitedFoundation.org.