Rick’s Locker Hit a Grand Slam in Issaquah! ⚾️

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a community shows up BIG for kids… picture this:

A sporting goods store filled with smiles, high-fives, and the kind of excitement you usually only see on Opening Day. Bats being picked out like treasure. Gloves being tried on like they’re straight out of the big leagues. Kids walking around with that “I’m ready to play” glow.

That was the vibe on January 24, 2026, when Rick’s Locker took over Dick’s Sporting Goods in Issaquah, Washington for an unforgettable day of giving, gear, and good old-fashioned baseball magic.

This incredible event would not have been possible without our amazing partners: Seattle Mariners, Logo Unlimited, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Smith Family Foundation, and the Dodie Smith Charity Foundation. When great teammates come together, amazing things happen – and this day proved it.

60 KIDS, ONE AMAZING DAY

We had the honor of supporting 60 kids in person, welcoming families from Snohomish, Duvall, and the inner city of Seattle. Many of the kids from Snohomish and Duvall were recent flood victims, and for all of them, this event was about more than baseball – it was about hope, confidence, and feeling seen.

And the best part? These kids will now join our 2025 Rick’s Locker kids, officially becoming part of the Rick’s Locker team. Once you’re in, you’re family – and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome them.

Each kid walked away feeling like a big leaguer, fully outfitted with:

  • A bat and glove
  • Belt, pants, and batting gloves
  • Nike and SKIMS clothing
  • Softball fielder’s masks

And because every team needs a uniform moment, Logo Unlimited came through in a huge way by providing Rick’s Locker t-shirts for every kid and every coach – so everyone left looking like part of the same all-star squad.

SUPPORTING TEAMS, NOT JUST PLAYERS

Rick’s Locker didn’t stop with individual players. We also provided 15 teams with much-needed equipment, including:

  • Buckets of baseballs and softballs
  • Helmets
  • Bats
  • Catcher’s gear

Because baseball is a team sport – and when teams have the tools they need, entire communities benefit.

THE BIG NUMBERS: 1,555 Kids Served + 1,361 Pieces of Equipment

When you add it all up, the impact is huge. Through this event and our extended support, 1,555 kids were served with equipment and resources.

And in total, Rick’s Locker distributed an incredible 1,361 pieces of equipment – putting real gear into real hands and giving kids a real shot to play.

That’s 1,555 chances for kids to step onto a field feeling confident, capable, and excited to play the game they love.

COACHES WHO MADE IT EXTRA SPECIAL

A huge thank-you goes out to the coaches of Rick’s Locker, who showed up, inspired kids, and made the day unforgettable:

  • Rick Rizzs
  • Dan Wilson
  • Charlie Furbush
  • Cal Raleigh
  • JP Crawford
  • Ryan Bliss
  • Chris DeWitt
  • Hannah Shimek
  • Kylee Studioso
  • Ryan Lentz

These coaches didn’t just hand out gear – they shared smiles, encouragement, and a love for the game that these kids will remember long after the final pitch.

HOW YOU CAN HELP US KEEP PLAYING ⚾️

None of this happens without the generosity of people who believe in kids, community, and the power of sports. Continued support for Rick’s Locker means everything. Every donation helps us host more events, reach more kids, and respond when communities need us most – whether that’s after a flood, during tough times, or simply when a young athlete needs a chance.

When you give to Rick’s Locker, you’re not just donating equipment – you’re investing in confidence, teamwork, and joy. You’re helping a kid feel like they belong on the field. And that impact lasts far beyond the final out.

If you’d like to help us keep this mission going and make even more events possible, you can donate here:

www.tfkseattle.org/donate

From all of us at Rick’s Locker: thank you to our partners, our coaches, our donors, and every volunteer who helped make this day a home run. We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together next.

And one more thing – we love baseball (obviously!), but Rick’s Locker isn’t just for baseball. Our mission is to support kids in all sports, helping young athletes get the gear they need to play, grow, and thrive – no matter what game they call home.

WE PAY. KIDS PLAY. ⚾️💙

POWERED BY:

SMITH FAMILY FOUNDTION

DODIE SMITH CHARITY FOUNDATION