Senior Softball Players Giving Back During Pandemic

April 1, 2020

Members of Potomac Sports outside of 7th Street Sandwich Shop

By Tim McElroy
SSUSA National Director

FREDERICK, Md. - Physically, financially or emotionally, we've all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses search for new ways to keep their doors open, there are first responders and hospital staff working tirelessly to keep us safe.

Their efforts haven't gone without notice and members of the softball community are stepping up to show their gratitude.  Teams in Maryland are opening tabs at local restaurants allowing first responders to pick up free, or steeply discounted meals.

E-Shore Sports, a local uniform supplier opened a pre-paid tab at Ledo Pizza in Kent Island, Md., earlier this month so that first responders could stop in, get a meal and take a moment to relax.

I asked E-Shore owner Eric Clough why he decided to promote that particular business.  His response was simple.  “We have been in business for 20+ years and always support teams and organizations with sponsorship nights and things like that.”  While Eric is quick to point out that the idea of pre-paid tabs wasn’t his, a video post on social medial seemed to kick things off in Maryland.

Eric Clough

Potomac Sports senior softball team members created a tab at 7^th Street Sandwich Shop for First Responders and medical staff at Frederick Memorial Hospital.  7^th Street is located just steps away from Hood College.  When the campus closed due to COVID-19 concerns, the majority of their customer base left town and will likely not return until the fall semester. 

That is a significant impact to this family owned business.  Potomac Sports senior softball team members saw an opportunity to help a local small business and say thanks to the police, fire, military and hospital staff in the area.  Offering discounted meals helps bring in business and provides an immediate financial benefit for those that take advantage of the program.  Team members agree that it is a “Win-Win” for all involved.

Similarly, members of the Fish Head Cantina softball team supported their sponsor with a $200 tab.  It has been matched a few times now with donations of over $700.  Team manager Chad Kendrick explained that the donations were split across two locations giving first responders in the Arbutus and Pasadena area access to a well-deserved meal.  Through word of mouth advertising, the team is hoping to bring new customers into the Fish Head Cantina locations.  Together with his wife, Lance Edwards of Gigantes 40s opened a tab at Ellie’s Place in Millersville, MD.  The Edwards challenged friends in the community to do the same for their co-sponsor.  Players have responded favorably.  At one point there was over $4,000 in free meal credit available to first responders.

Lance and Lorin Edwards

Steve Cromer, a player with a locally famous beard, raised over $1,500 this past weekend by shaving it for charity.  Steve was kind enough to spread his donation out, giving first responders in six area communities.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore who sponsor a number of slow-pitch teams has taken the ball and run with it.  They initially offered “Industry Aid” featuring free meals to those in the food & beverage industry.  After donating $10,000 of their own money, Jimmy’s Famous partnered with Chap’s Pit Beef, Tito’s Vodka and Hoop Tea to create “Hero Aid.”  Qualified persons receive a pre-packed meal courtesy of the coalition.

John Minadakis, owner of Jimmy's Famous Seafood 

I spend a great deal of my time at the ballpark and am around a lot of ballplayers.  Too often I hear stories of people that don’t appreciate the good fortune that has come their way.  I know that Maryland isn’t unique in this aspect.  Good things are happening across the country.  In these difficult and uncertain times, the softball community is stepping up and that warms my heart.  Keep up the good work, everyone!

Stay safe everyone!

PROVIDING MEALS

Jack Aronson

To go along with the great generosity of senior softball players in Maryland, there is another player in Michigan doing his part.

Jack Aronson, also known as "Salsa Jack" and the founder of Garden Fresh Gourmet, is doing his part to help his community during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Aronson's Clean Planet Foods Mindful Meals was launched two months earlier than expected in response to the pandemic.

In a statement, Aronson said “There are so many people who are unable to go to the grocery store or even cook right now, that we moved the launch date of our quick heat-and-enjoy meals forward by several months out of a sense of urgency. These meals are developed by chefs and are very nutritious, which is so important for good health right now. We are proud to give back to our community at this time of need.”

For every case sold, Aronson will donate 10 meals to local charities.  Donations are being made to Ferndale seniors centers, Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit, Food Bank of Oakland County, and Mitch Albom's SAY Detroit group of charities. To date, 2,000 meals have been donated.

Aronson is a long-time member of SSUSA who last played in 2018 with Team Florida 65 and Hollis Appraisals 60. He's earned multiple All-Tournament selections at the Winter National Championships and Original Tournament of Champions.

Additionally, Aronson and his wife, Annette, have attended international tours - including the 23rd Annual Senior Softball International Tour to Spain in 2011. The tour included exhibition goodwill games in Madrid, and was capped by the Barcelona Shootout. The shootout included two teams from the U.S., a team from Germany, and two teams from host Spain. Playing on runner-up Team USA Red, Aronson was named Best Offense.

Aronson would again earn Best Offense in 2012, this time playing on Team USA White in the SSUSA Hawaiian Tour.

CLICK HERE to watch Aronson's interview with Fox 2 Detroit.

CLICK HERE to read an article that appeared in the Detroit Free Press.

CLICK HERE to read an article that appeared in the Detroit Premier Business Journal.

For more information, visit CleanPlanetFoods.com

Additional Stories

Do you have information on a goodwill story that has taken place during the current COVID-19 pandemic?

Please email Anthony Ramos at Anthony@seniorsoftball.com