Business Details
13 Years
experience
Empowering Youth Through Baseball & Education in Wichita
Founded in 2013, League 42 was established to provide accessible and affordable youth baseball opportunities for children aged 5-14 in Wichita's urban communities. Our mission extends beyond athletics, integrating educational programs like Bright Lights and Passion Project to foster holistic development. We operate at historic McAdams Park, home to four fields including the Fidelity Bank Field, and maintain a legacy honoring Jackie Robinson's pioneering spirit. With over 600 participants across 46 teams, we rely on dedicated volunteers, community partnerships, and donor support to sustain our programs. Our Leslie Rudd Learning Center serves as both administrative hub and educational facility, ensuring every child receives a uniform, equipment, and personalized attention. Through collaborations with Wichita State University's Rudd Scholars and volunteer tutors, we create transformative experiences that combine sportsmanship, academic growth, and character building.Our organization successfully replaced the stolen Jackie Robinson statue in 2024 through community fundraising, demonstrating resilience and commitment to our values. As a volunteer-driven nonprofit, we prioritize financial accessibility with a $30 registration fee covering uniforms and essential gear. Our track record of growth from 200 to 600 participants since 2014 reflects our ability to meet community needs while preserving the historical significance of McAdams Park. We remain steadfast in our dedication to making baseball and education accessible to all families regardless of financial circumstances.
Services
Youth Baseball Programs
Educational Initiatives
Facility Rentals
Community Events
Volunteer Opportunities
Donation Programs
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer $30 registration covering full uniforms and equipment
- Our Leslie Rudd Learning Center provides academic enrichment programs
- We operate at historic McAdams Park with four dedicated fields
- We've grown from 200 to 600 participants since 2014
- Our volunteer network includes Wichita State University Rudd Scholars
Services
Youth Baseball Programs
We provide structured baseball programs for children aged 5-14 at McAdams Park. Our offerings include team registration, equipment provision, and professional field maintenance. Participants receive uniforms and access to volunteer-coached training sessions that emphasize skill development and sportsmanship. The programs operate seasonally with community support.
Educational Initiatives
Our Leslie Rudd Learning Center hosts educational programs like Bright Lights and Passion Project. These initiatives combine tutoring with life skills development, supported by Wichita State University Rudd Scholars and volunteer educators. The programs aim to improve academic outcomes while fostering personal growth through baseball-themed learning activities.
Community Events
We organize annual events including golf tournaments and facility dedications at McAdams Park. These events serve both fundraising purposes and community engagement, featuring special guests like MLB representatives. The Jackie Robinson statue unveiling attracted nearly 500 attendees, demonstrating our ability to create impactful community experiences.
Volunteer Opportunities
We offer volunteer positions in administration, coaching, and event coordination. Volunteers help manage league operations, assist teams as ambassadors, and contribute to uniform distribution and fundraising activities. Our volunteer network includes both individual community members and organizational partners like Scheels.
Donation Programs
As a nonprofit, we accept donations to sustain our programs and facilities. Funds support field improvements, equipment purchases, and educational initiatives. Our successful 2024 statue replacement campaign demonstrated effective community fundraising, with contributions from Major League Baseball and local supporters ensuring project completion.
People
Bob Lutz
Executive Director
Bob Lutz leads League 42's operations and strategic direction, overseeing program expansion from 200 to 600 participants since 2014. He manages facility development, community partnerships, and fundraising initiatives while maintaining the organization's commitment to Jackie Robinson's legacy.
Questions
What age groups does League 42 serve?
We serve children aged 5-14 through our youth baseball programs at McAdams Park.
How much does registration cost?
Registration costs $30 per child or family, covering uniforms and equipment.
What educational programs are available?
Our Leslie Rudd Learning Center offers Bright Lights, Passion Project, and Bats and Badges programs.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities include administration, coaching, event coordination, and uniform management roles.
What happened to the Jackie Robinson statue?
The 2021 statue was stolen but replaced through community fundraising, with a new unveiling in August 2024.
Where are games played?
Games are played at McAdams Park's four fields, including the Fidelity Bank Field.
