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Big Influence Baseball team members serve as Big Brothers


T


he Big Brothers Big Sisters program, like many services,


is driven by the laws of sup- ply and demand. Chad Allee (BSW08, MSW09), program supervisor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County, knew he had more children in need of mentors than he had mentors, so in 2009 he reached out to coaches at local colleges and universities. If an entire team volunteered, he thought, a lot of children would have a “Big.” Only one coach took him up on the offer: Eastern Michigan baseball coach Jay Alexander. Now, once a week, players


like Joe Battistelli, a sophomore pitcher from Allen Park, head over to a local elementary school and spend time with their “Littles” as part of a school- based program. Battistelli is paired with student Christopher Griffin, and the two sports nuts like to hang out and play basketball. Their time together only lasts an hour, but it’s an hour that’s helping change each other’s lives. Battistelli is one of 34 EMU


baseball players who are Bigs, and the team has been participating for two years. The players juggle classes, homework, practice, games and volunteer work, but none have complained about taking on the extra commitment. “Obviously we’re blessed to


be here and be part of the EMU baseball family, so it’s good to be able to give back to our com- munity,” says Battistelli. “It’s a big positive for us.” Coach Alexander strongly


believes in giving back, and he knows that embracing a


program like Big Brothers Big Sisters helps his players grow as human beings. He talks about the program during the recruit- ing process, so players know that it will be part of their EMU experience. “I tell them, ‘You’re going


to be interacting with kids you don’t normally interact with,


to get through to another kid. And maybe save a life.’” The players are subjected


to the same rigorous screening as any mentor is, and they are thoroughly trained so that they know what to expect in their new role as a Big. The play- ers mentor second- through fifth-grade boys in the Lincoln Consolidated School District, and the Big-Little pairs are care- fully matched by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff. The program requires at least a one-year commitment, and participation


an EMU alumnus, he’s proud that Eastern has paved the way for other area collegiate teams. Concordia University’s baseball and football teams have now joined the fold, helping supply even more Bigs for Washtenaw County youths. “I tell my guys to be a man


for others,” Alexander says. “Being a man doesn’t mean showing how tough you are and if you can punch out a guy. A man is not afraid to tell someone he loves them. He has the courage to give a hug. At


EMU pitcher Joe Battistelli (left) works with local student Christopher Griffin as part of a proud EMU tradition of involvement in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County. EMU alumni working with BBBSWC include executive director Jennifer Spitler (BS97, MSW04), program supervisor Chad Allee (BSW08, MSW09), enrollment specialist Lenora Fuller (BSW08, MSW10), and marketing/events coordinator Lynne Nagy (BS74).


and I’m not going to tell you how. There’s no road map. You’re going to have to figure it out. Just as I have to figure out how to get through to you, you’re going to figure out how


for EMU’s baseball players is not optional. They all take part. Allee, the program super-


visor, says the success of the baseball team’s volunteerism has exceeded expectations. As


Eastern, we’re not just coaching baseball players. We’re trying to build men for life.” Players like Battistelli are well


on their way. —Darcy Gifford


Eastern | WINTER 2011 9


Photo by Cara Jones


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