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| Michael Pesci with Yogi Berra and Don Larsen |
Michael Pesci: Pitching For Good Causes
posted: 09/06/2006
“If you build it, they will come” so goes the immortal line in “Field of Dreams,” one of the greatest baseball films. Baseball enthusiast Michael Pesci learned this when he built his own non-profit organization from the ground up when just in his early teens. Little did he know just how many lives he would improve and how many people, young and old, he would inspire. In just a few short years, Michael’s organization -- Perfect Pitch -- has raised well over $100,000 for disabled children and young adults, not only earning him a nomination as a candidate in the Volvo for life Awards, but also the support of his baseball idols, Yogi Berra and Don Larsen. When Yogi Berra and Don Larsen played host to a fundraiser at the Yogi Berra Museum & Children’s Learning Center in New Jersey on August 28, the short list of special guests included their number-one fan and up-and-coming hero in his own right: Michael. And no wonder. Both Berra and Larsen bring the best values of baseball to life via their extensive and ongoing charities. Michael, a varsity pitcher, impressed Berra and Larsen not only with his skills and love of the game, but also -- and most importantly -- his commitment to live baseball’s values by working to improve his community, especially for those less fortunate than himself. Both Berra and Larsen donate prized baseball memorabilia to Michael’s organization, which then raffles the donations to raise monies for numerous good causes. Berra and Laron’s contributions have given an immeasurable boost to Michael’s annual “Perfect Pitch Home Run Derby, his “Take A Swing for Charity,” and his “Step Up To the Plate” fund-raising and rally events. The monies raised benefit numerous worthy programs, including Special Scout Troop 364 and Challenger Sports. Michael also helps fund sports programs for disadvantaged youth. These causes are close to Michael’s heart: Michael’s cousin belongs to the Special Scout Troop. Helping fund sports programs in disadvantaged communities speaks to Michael’s core values. Michael feels so passionately about baseball, for example, and its most iconic heroes because the game and its heroes have helped transform larger society by breaking through the barriers of race, class, and prejudices of all sorts. Michael states, “Baseball provides a level playing field where players can achieve their personal best individually and as part of a team. Fans from all backgrounds can come together and share a common bond, a passion for the game at its best. That’s really what our society aims to become. And that’s what our organization tries to do -- bring people together and make our community a better place for everyone.” So far, the Perfect Pitch has achieved a winning streak far beyond what anyone thought possible.
A city official of East Orange, for instance, noted that Michael’s fundraising enabled sports teams in hard-pressed neighborhoods to teach kids important lessons in sportsmanship and discipline. The teams did something more, as well: they helped saved kids’ lives from the crime and violence of the mean streets in which they grew up. Michael’s hero and mentor, Don Larsen, says, “I admire what Mike does, helping kids, giving back to the community, and just living the values of the game we all love.” As one of New Jersey’s candidates for a Volvo for life, Michael Pesci takes to heart the mission of the Yogi Berra museum: “to preserve and promote the values of respect, sportsmanship, social justice, and excellence.” And of course, Yogi Berra sums it all up in a perfect and classic Yogism, “Michael inspires other kids to volunteer for their community. You know, you don’t have to start off life as a hero -- but you sure can become one!”
How You Can Help Christina & Michael Pesci
To learn more about Micheal -- and Yogi Berra, Don Larsen, and their causes, and how you can make a difference, please visit:
www.perfectpitchhrd.com
www.cmgworldwide.com/baseball/larsen
www.yogiberramuseum.org
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