Youth, police join for Badges for Baseball

By JIM LAWARENCE
FOR THE STAFFORD COUNTY SUN
Published: June 11, 2008

STAFFORD — Badges for Baseball, which pairs law enforcement professionals with children for sports mentoring, will be held at the Gari Melchers Complex next week.

The program, created by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation in conjunction with the United States Department of Justice, pairs law enforcement professionals as mentors with youth from community-based organizations.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office applied for a grant from the foundation, which will fund the program. It will involve 50 boys and girls ages 8 to 13 from Olde
Forge Junction off Warrenton Road and students from two local middle schools and an elementary school. Stafford Sgt. Randy Shaw will oversee the program, which runs June 16-20 at 610 Gayle St. in Stafford. 

Law enforcement personnel will teach baseball/softball skills, character education titled “Healthy Choices, Healthy Children” — 12 life lessons that use visual tools, a coach’s manual, coach’s tips and a book for participants.

According to Stafford County Sheriff Charles Jett, “It speaks volumes when an organization such as the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation is willing to develop and fund a program such as this. ...I am very excited about working with these young people and I look forward to bringing them not only baseball skills but some very important life skills as well!”

For more information on Badges for Baseball, contact Sgt. Randy Shaw at (540) 658-4966.