Sweet Home’s baseball program hits a home run this weekend with a Benefit Breakfast fundraiser, held at The Rusty Bucket. $1,868 was raised and served 154 meals at the event. Despite the chilly winter season, the warmth of community filled the restaurant as supporters came together to invest in the program’s future. The event drew an “impressive turnout”, including a special appearance by Oregon State baseball players.
“We weren’t entirely sure how many people would come out since this was our first time doing this,” said head coach Evan Teter. “But we’re blown away by the turnout and the incredible support from the community and all who want to invest in these kids.”
“The end goal,” Teter says, “is to build a stronger program.”
The baseball program has faced challenges in maintaining and improving its resources over the years, but Coach Teter hopes this event will inspire a fresh approach to gain traction for investments in the team to help provide funding for the program’s needs. One of the primary goals of the fundraiser is to finance a new hitting shell, a vital tool for improving practice efficiency, he said.
“Our varsity field has a hitting shell, but our JV field doesn’t. The JV field is more open, which makes it difficult to keep everything in one place during practices,” Teter explained. “With a new hitting shell, we can move the old one to the JV field, allowing both teams to practice more efficiently.” The funds raised this year will also support other essentials, such as pregame gear, field maintenance equipment, and even the varsity team’s annual spring break trip.
The event wasn’t just about fundraising, Teter said—it was about connection. The community filled the Rusty Bucket with friends and families who share a love for the sport. And Oregon State University’s baseball players, James Decremer (Sophomore-RHP), Hustyn Wheeler (Freshman-OF), Martin Serrano (Freshman-Catcher), and Cade Falsken (Freshman-INF), came out and spent time with the athletes from the Sweet HomeYouth Baseball, formally known as JBO, and the Sweet Home High School Baseball teams, eating breakfast, signing baseballs and tossing a few footballs and baseballs around. “This is inspiring the next generation,” said Jeana Doll, a parent watching the athletes, young and old, interact with each other.
Along with the youth program and the highschool program working together it is evident the goals are to help broaden the support for the kids. Teter expressed his gratitude saying it had been a need for a long time. “It has been a mission of many to make things like this happen,” said Teter. He hopes moments like these will remind all the players of the community’s investment in their growth, both on and off the field. “This is really special,” said Teter. “It’s been a while since our program has seen this kind of support, and it means the world to our players to know the community believes in them.”
For those who couldn’t attend the breakfast, there are still plenty of opportunities to contribute. The baseball teams are currently seeking banner sponsorships, where local businesses can have their banners displayed on the outfield fence. Additionally, the high=school team will host a hit-a-thon in the spring, allowing supporters to donate money per foot of the longest hit.
The event was a success towards it raising funds and building excitement for the season ahead. “This started as a big dream, and we made it happen,” Teter said. “With the amazing support from parents and the community, we’re already dreaming bigger for the future.”For more information about supporting the baseball program, Jenna Northern, associated with Sweet Home Youth Baseball says you can contact her for more information at 541.409.0301.