‘A jewel within the west side’: Charlotte foundation helps kids on and off the baseball diamond
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As school starts back up, summer programs are slowing down. However, on some baseball fields in west Charlotte – the game and the lessons continue year-round.
The Knothole Foundation is doing what it can to enrich youth in Charlotte at the Tuckaseegee Dream Fields.
It’s the home of the Carolina Metro Reds, an organization that’s focused on providing opportunities to underserved and disadvantaged youth both on and off the field, according to its website.
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“This is a jewel within the west side,” said Morris Madden, a former Major League Baseball player who helped found The Knothole Foundation.
On the diamond mentors and coaches work with kids to teach them how to play baseball while also getting them ready for life.
“We are creating major league citizens, not major league baseball players,” Madden said.
“It’s more than just baseball, it’s a family education. It feels like they truly care about your well-being and what you’re doing,” added Donnie Davie, a 17-year-old who has been with the foundation for five years.
The goal is to show underserved youth how to play baseball while also keeping their grades up in school and getting them ready for college or a career.
“We try to make sure that they’re well-rounded when they leave out of here,” Madden said.
“There’s a lot going on in the world right now and we need more kids here instead of on the streets,” added coach Bobby Falls, who is also a former MLB player.
Off the field, tutors help kids from six-years-old through 5th grade to stay on or get back on reading level.
“We know that if kids are not reading on a level by third grade, there are going to be some problems,” Madden said.
The foundation also offers college visits and other counseling and mentoring to high school students.
Madden said so far, 90% of kids who graduate through the program go on to some form of higher education.
“Whether it be college, or the military, or trade school or anything like that,” he said.
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Davie is working hard on his dreams during his senior year and he has high hopes.
“Hopefully, (I’ll) make it to pro ball,” he said. “Definitely looking to play in college.”
When he does, he’ll know who to thank that helped him get there.
“It’s more than just learning how to play the game of baseball, we have to make sure that they’re prepared for life,” Madden added.
More information on the Knothole Foundation and how to get your child involved can be found here.
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