Community

The Cal Ripken Sr. League is dedicated to improving the communities that our teams play in. Each year, our teams partner with organizations across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia to give back to their communities. Learn more about our work below.

Manna Food Drive

The Cal Ripken Sr. League's Montgomery County teams (Big Train, Cropdusters, Giants, Thunderbolts) collect donations for the Manna Food Center. In 2025, these teams collected 2,267 pounds of food to combat food insecurity in Montgomery County. Learn more about the Manna Food Drive here.

A group of players and staff stand outside of a grocery store.

Project ECHO

Each summer, the Southern Maryland Senators donate leftover food from their home games to Project ECHO, a homeless shelter in Calvert County, Maryland. Senators staff and interns took an afternoon to donate more supplies and help out with other tasks. Project ECHO is always looking for volunteers, and the Senators are glad to help those in need in their Southern Maryland community.

A group of Senators staff members stand outside a building with carts full of food.

Roberto Clemente Service Day and Community Heroes

On the Bethesda Big Train's Roberto Clemente Service Day, 87 players, staff, interns, and fans logged nearly 200 hours of service at six community nonprofits across the county: A Wider Circle, Button Farm, Interfaith Works, Manna Food Center, Shepherd’s Table, and So What Else.

Throughout the summer, the Big Train hosted 28 local nonprofit organizations through the Community Heroes program. Each organization received 25 reserved seats and meal vouchers, supported by the Trawick Foundation, the Kiplinger Family Foundation, and Sandy Spring Builders. The team also honored eight individual Community Heroes during the season.

A group of people in Big Train shirts stand in front of a truck.

Cropdusters CARES

In 2025, the Cropdusters also announced the Cropdusters CARES program (Community, Appreciation, Responsibility, Engagement and Support). The program was established to raise awareness and help elevate other nonprofits in the local community. 2025 Cropdusters CARES partners included Olney HELP and Knine Rescue.

Lastly, more than 25 Cropdusters and Big Train players took their time and efforts to the Miracle League of Montgomery County, serving adults and children with disabilities to play at the Miracle Field, a custom designed field designed to allow everyone a chance to play the greatest game in the world!

A group of people in Big Train shirts stand in front of a truck.

DC Grays MVP Youth Baseball and Softball

The DC Grays sponsor and operate the DC Grays MVP youth baseball and softball program for more than 180 children from Washington, D.C. In 2024, the DC Grays MVP program participated in Youth Sports Day at RFK Fields hosted by Fight for Children. More than 70 kids and their families visited the Grays for wiffle ball, hitting off the tee, and running the bases. The Grays distributed free baseball gear, such as hats and gloves, for kids who didn’t have them.

D.C. Grays staff stand with a group of kids in the Grays' youth baseball program.