Fundraiser

In the Spring of 2017, Howard Baseball’s program dramatically needed to be rejuvenated. Facilities were severely lacking and students were disinterested in playing baseball to the point that in years previous, games had to be forfeited due to insufficient players. In January of 2017 a group of three senior student leaders, Coach Johnson, Coach Crawford, and the community of Chattanooga forever changed the trajectory of Howard Baseball. For a couple of months players and coaches worked seven days a week to overhaul the baseball field. Coach Johnson consistently told the players: “Focus on the process – the task at hand. Don’t worry about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow, take care of today and this moment!” The players listened and the community of Chattanooga responded. Through local media getting the word out about what was going on at Howard Baseball and via crowdfunding, Howard Baseball was able to replace fencing, build dugouts, build bullpens, haul in new infield mix, and lay sod. The work was done by players, coaches, and volunteers. The 11 players on the 2017 roster won only one game that year. Due to the necessary improvements needed on the field they were unable to practice consistently which impacted their skill development and ability to compete well. However, they laid the ground work for what was to come. It was an exhilarating time for the program; yet still the best days were ahead!

Fast forward seven years from the 2017 roster and in January of 2024 we had a Senior, Camron James, commit to play Division I Baseball at Mississippi Valley State University. This was a monumental occasion for Camron along with Howard’s Baseball program because it instilled belief and hope in every player that they can also go to college, get a degree, and play baseball. It has been said that it is challenging to accomplish and believe in what you have never seen or experienced. One day after practice in January of 2024, Coach Johnson was taking home a sophomore that played in 2023. While driving the streets of East Lake, Coach Johnson asked the player why he had worked so hard in the weight room and been practicing with so much determination and passion. The player responded: “When I saw Camron commit to a Division I college, I realized that I could do the same thing if I worked hard. I think baseball can get me in college.” Where there is an authentic sense of hope you will often find a faith and work ethic that can drive an individual to realizing their dreams.

From the 1-win season in 2017 in Coach Johnson’s first year, the Howard Baseball team won 11 games in 2023 anticipating more victories in 2024. Winning a game is temporary, but teaching an individual how to win lasts a lifetime. Learning how to set a goal, work towards that goal, and determining to remain resilient despite the obstacles and challenges will transition into every area of our players’ lives. One of the biggest needs of our Baseball program now is a practice/hitting facility. Why does Howard Baseball need a practice/hitting facility? It expedites skill development. Allows for efficiency and effectiveness by having a place for seven players to hit at one time and pitchers to develop regardless of inclement weather. It gives a safe space for coaches/players to interact for mentorship opportunities. In consideration of the 2023 schools in our district (Rhea County, McMinn County, Bradley Central, Walker Valley, Ooltewah, and Cleveland) we were the only school without a hitting facility. We believe the practice/hitting facility is critical because our players deserve an equal opportunity to train and compete with comparable facilities within our district/region. We have thankfully seen an increase in participants grow from 11 in 2017 to an anticipated 40 players in 2024. One of the biggest challenges to having a Varsity and two JV teams this upcoming Spring of 2024 will be our coaches ability to develop players with currently only one outdoor hitting cage.

We have already invested $25,000 in a concrete 40’ X 100’ slab for the practice/hitting facility. We are currently in need of an estimated $75,000 for the structure of the practice/hitting facility, turf, and netting. The purpose of the hitting facility: development, ability to compete, more involvement from players, and efficient and effective practices. We believe, like Camron James committing to a Division I school, that many other players can and will go to college, play baseball, get a degree, and change the trajectory of their future families. Thank you for reading, caring, and your interest in our program and players!