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 In 1997, Arizona State University's head baseball coach, Pat Murphy, created a non-profit foundation dedicated to bringing together a diverse group of young kids to learn about baseball, develop leadership skills, and take an active role in building relationships within their community. Thus, PTM Programs for Youth featuring the “Sandlot All-Stars” was born.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY: In a rapidly expanding and diverse city like the Phoenix metropolitan area, never has community building been more important. One of the fundamental goals of PTM Programs for Youth is helping kids understand not only the value of healthy and interactive communities, but how they themselves can become a contributing force in its positive development. Kids involved with the Sandlot All-Stars take part in community development programs and participate directly delivering donations to various causes such as Autism research, Niemann-Pick research, and homeless shelters. The children’s direct involvement offers a unique opportunity to see how they can play an important role in the betterment of their community, and will help them develop a philanthropic and altruistic attitude at a very young age.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Developing confidence and leadership skills in our community’s children has an immeasurable value as we move forward into the 21 st century. Kids participating in the PTM Programs for Youth are exposed to a variety of community leaders and sports personalities, as well as mentoring from the Student/Athletes of Arizona State University. Exposure to these kinds of diverse, success driven people has a tremendous impact on the kids of the PTM programs as they begin to seek out role models and envision their own futures.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ATHLETICS: With more than 25 years of coaching experience, Pat Murphy brings both extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to the art of teaching baseball to young children. However, the PTM Programs do more than just teach kids how to hit, catch and throw a baseball. Coach Murphy takes great pride in also teaching kids the rich and timeless traditions of the game; everything from what to do during the National Anthem, to how to behave with class and dignity on and off the field. In addition to learning the core fundamentals of the game, Coach Murphy helps the PTM kids develop healthy life skills in dealing with both winning and losing and most importantly – how to be a great teammate. Baseball will always be the primary sport, however, PTM kids will also be exposed to a variety of other sports throughout the year.
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