Welcome
I wrote a letter a few years ago that unintentionally went viral across the country. The purpose was to explain to a group of parents, that I saw a big problem in organized sports. Little did I know the impact that the letter would have on so many people. I realized that there is a need for a better way, and the ideas in that letter had struck a cord with many people who are ready for a change. Some follow up was necessary, so..., here we are.
This website is for people who want to use youth sports to impact kids and their communities. I plan on keeping fresh information and videos coming to this site that will challenge and encourage coaches, parents and aspiring athletes to use sports as a platform to develop character, and skills that are needed for success on the field and off. Thanks for your interest and I hope that you will keep coming back.
ABOUT/MIKE
Mike Matheny aspires to change the culture of youth sports to provide the greatest impact to kids, their character, and their communities.
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Recent blog posts
”Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.”
-Gen. Colin Powell
I spend so much time telling parents to control their high expectations for their young athletes, but I never want to forget how special it is when our kids work hard to achieve their goals.
Many parents have been sending in their questions, asking for some help to do the right thing, not just for their kids, but for all the kids on the team.
Newsletter
PUBLIC/SPEAKING
Mike speaks from the heart with powerful stories and a message of goal-setting, accountability and servant leadership.
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Mike believes that the definition of a successful life must include serving others.
Sixteen years of making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged kids.
The Catch 22 Foundation
The primary goal of this charity is to enrich the lives of disadvantaged youth by providing opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
The Catch 22 Foundation is a non-profit founded by Mike Matheny and his wife, Kristin, in 2003. Mike utilizes the platform he has built throughout his professional baseball career to filter generous donations from the community into projects that directly support the needs of disadvantaged kids.
The earliest projects of the foundation included handicapped-accessible baseball fields. The first field was completed in 2005. After more than 16 years in operation, the foundation has helped to build three baseball fields and two playgrounds that are accessible to children of all abilities.
The Catch 22 Foundation has also provided support to organizations such as the Fanconi Anemia Foundation, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, GO Ministries, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, Little Patriots, United Services for Children and SEALKIDS.