Keep Playing Baseball

We created Keep Playing Baseball ("KPB") in memory of Scott Heinig, a young high school coach and former Division 1 pitcher who passed away in 2011. Scott was dedicated to helping high school players succeed and have the opportunity to play baseball in college. Scott's family, friends, and former teammates created KPB to continue this effort. Today, KPB supports players at all levels of youth baseball with cost-free educational resources, positive and fun local programming, and financial support at ages when many young players struggle because of limited resources. Thanks to generous supporters like you, our ability to deliver on our mission has never been stronger. 

KPB supports youth ballplayers throughout their baseball journey and demystifies the path to college baseball for players of all backgrounds. We launched KPB in 2011, took steps to incorporate in 2015, and received our 501(c)(3) non-profit designation in 2016. In 2017, we started our in-person educational outreach efforts. The following year, we forged a partnership with the Junior Giants, the flagship youth baseball program of the San Francisco Giants. In 2019, we reached well over 1,000 players and parents with free, fun, and positive educational programming. Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic, we pivoted to providing free online courses and launched our Registration Assistance Program (RAP) to cover participation costs for players who can’t afford them.

Since baseball’s post-pandemic return in 2021, we have grown our registration assistance program, expanded our educational resources, partnered with MLB players and local high schools to run an annual series of free baseball camps that serve over 300 Little Leaguers each year, and launched a college tuition scholarship program for first-generation college baseball players.

While growing these support programs, our website continues to provide essential, free resources to players and families trying to navigate the college search and recruiting process. The website received over 148,000 visitors in 2024. As the game continues to evolve, we are working to make sure KPB provides information and opportunities to the players who need it, at the times when it can help reinforce their passion for the game and their ability to keep playing baseball. Moving forward, we plan to include more content to help younger players, including short videos, fun drills, and quizzes.

KPB's scope extends well beyond the playing field. KPB leverages high school players' interest in baseball to encourage them to focus on academics, organizational skills, and leadership, among other important life skills. Our mission thus extends to creating a level educational as well as athletic playing field. In providing an A to Z support system for baseball players of all backgrounds from Little League through the college search and recruiting process, KPB is working to create a more equitable and affordable route to success for scholars athletes, both on the field and in the classroom. Watch the video below or reach out to learn more about our work and impact!