A place to play ball at Red Shield

The Salvation Army Red Shield Center has been a refuge for thousands of at-risk youth since the 1970s and offers a variety of athletic programs for school-aged kids, including baseball and softball.

“Fifty years later and we’re still providing the same service,” said Red Shield Operations Manager Maria Arellano. “They built this facility to save lives and get kids off the streets by offering them a safe environment.”

Red Shield sponsors a total of ten teams that play in the Stanislaus County recreational league, including four baseball (12-and-under, 10s, 8s and T-ball) and four softball (12s, 10s, 8s and T-ball).

“It’s one of the most popular programs,” Arellano said. “The coaches are always giving the kids positive reinforcement to build up their self-esteem. They learn sportsmanship. They learn respect.”

The 2023 season got underway on April 1 and runs through the end of May.