Ike Blessitt Athletic Academy #22

I am writing to you for your assistance in raising $7,000 to support the IKE BLESSITT ATHLETIC ACADEMY #22, INC. that provides baseball instruction and mentoring to over 100 underprivileged youth in the inner city of Detroit, Michigan.  At a time when we vitally need to provide resources to children - and particularly African American boys and girls living in underserved and vulnerable communities - Ike's organization is a wonderful model that inspires and greatly contributes to their growth and development.

I have known Ike as a teammate in the Detroit Tigers minor league system and close friend for approximately 50 years. For the past 2 years, I have been working with Ike to further develop his non -profit organization that brings the great sport of baseball that he so passionately loves to youth in his Detroit community.  It is Ike's dream to see kids in his community experience the excitement and wonderful rewards of learning to play baseball with quality instruction. 

Ike provides personalized instruction to each of his kids while continuously striving to  promote the best teaching-learning environment. Several months ago my family worked with Ike's son to install a batting cage in his backyard. Youth in the neighborhood and some with their families literally walk to the batting cage to receive instruction and mentoring from Ike. Since the cold weather set in, Ike is teaching in a large, otherwise unused sports complex. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the regular baseball leagues were shut down and school continues to be on-line, Ike's teaching and mentorship have remained a bright light in his community. 

The $7000 raised will go towards the purchase of the Hack Attack pitching machine which is known for its sturdiness, accuracy, variety of pitches and portability.  This is especially needed since Ike has been left with a prosthetic leg due to a health condition that hinders his ability to pitch while providing instruction to a rapidly growing number of children and youth in his program. The pitching machine is portable, and Ike can bring it with him when he conducts baseball clinics and assists with travel teams . He can also use it for tossing grounders and fly balls in fielding practice. The pitching machine with accessories such as the solo ball feeder, generator and softball converter costs $5,000 and an additional $2,000 is needed to help Ike with transportation and other supports.  I have contributed $1,000 and hope you will join me.

Thank you in advance for your support of Ike and his Academy that inspires and motivates so many children in his community to learn and play baseball under his tutelage and guidance. If you'd like to learn more about Ike's legacy, please see this wonderful article published in 2011: https://www.mlive.com/sports/bay-city/2011/04/former_detroit_tigers_outfield.html

All contributions will be transferred into Ike's non profit organization account, Ike Blessitt Athletic Academy #22, Inc. His 501 C3, tax exemption is pending so contributions will not be tax deductible.

Gene Spatz, MS
Former Director | Athletic Training, Health & Exercise Science, Long Island University
Founder and Former Executive Director | On Your Mark Inc
Detroit Tigers Triple-A affiliate | Toledo Mud Hens 1972, 1973

Some of Ike's mentees who received college scholarships