Boy Aims To Outfit Needy Little Leaguers

SIMSBURY, Conn. -- A Simsbury boy has started a project to outfit a number of needy Little League teams in the Hartford area that can’t afford to buy uniforms.

With his mother’s help, Little Leaguer Christian MacKay Morgan, 11, used his love for baseball to start the BUD project.

Through the program, which stands for Baseball Uniform Donation project, Christian is collecting old hats, shirts, pants and socks from baseball players in the state.

Christian said he plans to outfit as many teams in the Hartford area as he can. He said that many of the teams often go without uniforms.

“A pair of pants probably cost you $20 to $25, the average baseball hat, even if you get a good price, probably costs you 10 to 15 bucks,” he said.

The project has set up a drop-off location at Vincent Sports Shop in Simsbury and collect any colors or sizes. The organization then holds on to the donated clothing until a complete team set can be collected.

Christian said his friends have helped him sort through and keep a running list of all donations.

“I like this project because it helps people who don’t have uniforms and they would like some,” said Christian’s teammate, Kevin. “I donated one I had in T-ball.”

Kevin said wearing a uniform makes you a better player.

“It makes me feel like a real baseball player, like you’re playing in the Major League. It makes you feel lucky,” he said.

To donate to the BUD project, visit Vincent Sports Shop's Web site.