Commerce Bank helps young athletes step up to the plate.
Commerce Bank has been a part of the Kansas City community for 160 years, and community support has long been a pillar of our culture. A great example of that commitment happened this summer through our “Commerce Bank: Helping Kids Take the Field” equipment drive. Through this campaign, members of the community donated baseball and softball gear from across the Kansas City region, ensuring young athletes have everything they need to pursue their diamond dreams.
From July 15 through September 30, all 45 Commerce Bank locations in the Kansas City and St. Joseph areas collected donations of equipment for youth players from T-ball through high school. All donated gear will benefit the Urban Youth Academy — an organization dedicated to empowering Kansas City’s urban youth through baseball and softball — as well as Pony Express Baseball in St. Joseph, Missouri. These organizations use sports as a vehicle to help young people unlock their potential and develop leadership skills that extend far beyond the baseball diamond. The response from the community was overwhelming, with residents dropping off gloves, bats, baseballs, softballs, helmets, batting gloves, equipment bags and uniform pieces to support the next generation of ball players. In all, more than 5,040 items were donated through the drive.
A true team effort.
The drive teamed up with some impressive baseball talent to spread the word. Three-time MLB All-Star, 2015 World Series Champion, and Royals Hall of Fame member Alex Gordon, as well as current Royals rookie pitcher Noah Cameron, each made appearances on behalf of the campaign. Their star power helped encourage fans throughout the region to give generously to the cause.
“We’re so proud of the way members of the community came out to support this youth baseball and softball equipment drive — it truly is an investment in the future of promising young people,” says Kevin Barth, president and CEO of Commerce Bank-Kansas City. “Having the right equipment gives more kids an opportunity to participate in baseball or softball and be part of a team.
It makes a real difference in their lives and in our community.”
Commerce Bank team members didn't just collect the donations — they rolled up their sleeves and volunteered their time to sort and organize every piece of equipment. This hands-on approach reflects our team members’ commitment to being actively involved in the communities we serve. The effort is for a great cause. The Urban Youth Academy, which is operated by the Royals, serves children between five and 18 years old from diverse communities throughout the Kansas City area. Since opening in 2018, more than 60,000 children and their families have visited the academy’s facility in Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine District.
Pony Express Baseball, a nonprofit organization based in St. Joseph, Missouri, is dedicated to providing young athletes with opportunities to learn and grow through the game of baseball. Operated by volunteers, the organization emphasizes character development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play while helping youth build life skills that extend beyond the field.
A legacy of community spirit.
“Equipment drives like this one give more kids the opportunity to play baseball and softball, since the cost of equipment can be a barrier to participation,” says Donease Smith, the Urban Youth Academy’s director of administration. “Playing sports helps kids gain valuable life skills, and we’re grateful to Commerce and all the members of the community who made a donation. It truly makes a difference in kids’ lives.”
The success of “Commerce Bank: Helping Kids Take the Field” proves that when businesses and communities work together, everyone wins. Most importantly, the real winners are the young athletes who will benefit from this generosity for years to come, learning valuable life lessons while pursuing their passion for baseball and softball.
