Briefly stated, that is what the Association of Professional Ball Players of America is all about.
Since 1924, we have provided financial assistance for those professional baseball players, coaches, umpires, scouts and clubhouse men who are in need. No distinction is made between the major league player and the minor leaguer. Membership in what is a unique fraternity is the defining factor.
The Association had its origin when twelve former players met in Los Angeles and determined that there was a need to take care of the less fortunate members of their profession. From these beginnings the Association has grown to 11,000 current members. It has helped over one thousand ballplayers, players who are members of the Hall of Fame and those who enjoyed only a brief career. We've helped over 3,000 ballplayers with total assistance rendered in millions of dollars.
Major League Baseball and the National Association of the Minor Leagues have endorsed the Association as their benevolent organization.
Membership dues, donations, legacies and personal contributions finance the Association. Since we are a non-profit 501 C-3 organization, all such contributions are tax deductible.
The reasons for our help are many. Naturally, many of our assistance cases are older, retired players who have been ravaged by illness and the infirmities of old age. But sudden and tragic accidents and financial emergencies beyond the individual's control create an urgent need. Our assistance has reached outside the Continental United States.
We do not publicize our efforts, and this is by design. We have an obligation to protect the dignity and anonymity of our members who are having a difficult time of it. All of our cases are investigated with great discretion.
Although major league players of today are well paid, only one of ten ballplayers ever plays even one day in the big leagues. The minor league players have needs like everyone else, but they have only the Association to help them when times are difficult.
Many times a player cannot adjust to a new life after his career comes to an end. He needs some temporary aid while he is finding a new career for himself. The Association is there to assist when necessary.
A volunteer Board of Directors who give of their time to help the Association be successful in its efforts governs the Association. Many of the greatest names in baseball have served on the Board - among them are Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, Casey Stengel and Sparky Anderson. Current members of the the Board include Tom Lasorda, Nolan Ryan, Tony Gwynn and Mike Scioscia.
Only the Secretary and his Administrative Assistant are paid employees of the Association, which has always operated with very low overhead. We have the capacity to handle more cases with little extra cost.
Ball Players helping other ball players. That's what the Association has done for 85 years and we'll continue to fulfill that mission for many years to come.
Dick Beverage
Secretary Treasurer
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