Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) Erik Nilsen discusses helping those in need

Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) helping those in needErik Nilsen, Executive Director of the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T)Mark talks about Players aiding others, David Price, Nelson Cruz and then discovering B.A.T.Origin: B.A.T. began under Peter Ueberroth, Commissioner of Baseball in 1986Baseball Assistance Team helps people in the Baseball community with a short term bridgeApplicants include, players, coaches, minor leaguers, clubhouse employees, widows, During natural disasters B.A.T has provided a short term bridge for people in need with housing, medical expenses, food, utilities, prescriptions & funeral expenses Tim McDowell leads program on Mental Health & Addiction program helping to pay for rehab & therapistsExpanding Reach with Minor League consultants in Panama, Puerto Rico, West Coast, East Coast and around the worldCovid Pandemic increased need resulting in over 1200 applications to B.A.T. for aidMLB pays for B.A.T. salaries & expenses so all B.A.T. contributions go directly to those in needMain source of funding is from Major League Baseball Players contributions through payroll deductions Many B.A.T. employees have a history in baseball and have a greater understanding of those in need within baseballFinancial counseling & also work with Direct Path to give applicants a way to minimize their medical costsAiding former players integrate back into society after their careers with consulting & finding job opportunitiesAdam Jones & Gary Thorne help with scholarship program for degrees & vocational schoolsAndy Lane story – B.A.T. aided the Lane family with the health and development of their son Jackson  Ability to impact lives & making a differenceFunding & demand – Players’ generosity is the majority of where their funding comes fromFans can participate and make donations or participate in auctions Signed jerseys & memorabilia auction for FansB.A.T. Application process Where is the greatest need?  loss of income, medical emergencies, addiction, disasters & families in needThank you to Erik Nilsen & The Baseball Assistance Team for being a lifeline to those in the baseball communityIf you know someone in need or just want to know more you can reach out to B.A.T. at [email protected] or speak to them directly Monday -Friday at 212-931-7822 where they have a bi-lingual staff who can answer your questions. https://www.mlb.com/baseball-assistance-teamSpecial Thanks to Erik Nilsen for sharing the story of the Baseball Assistance Team BaseballBiz can be found on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify & Google podcasts & @TheBaseballBiz on Twitter    We welcome you to like, subscribe and remark about BaseballBiz. Let us know your thoughts about the show. Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music "Rocking Forward"