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We are thrilled to share that Knothole Foundation has been recognized as one of the "Best of the Nest" picks by QC Nerve's critics. Despite being a newcomer to the charitable scene in the Queen City, our foundation has made a significant impact. What began as a simple idea on a cocktail napkin has blossomed into a vibrant organization dedicated to providing education and sports opportunities on the West Side. Founded by former Major League Baseball players Jeff Schaefer and Morris Madden, along with other visionaries, Knothole Foundation has become a true gem on the west side. Our passion for baseball and education has allowed us to create a safe haven for young people, where they can develop their skills and pursue their education. By combining the lessons learned from baseball with academic support, we aim to shape these children into major league citizens. The game of baseball teaches us perseverance, resilience, and the importance of staying grounded as we navigate through life's ups and downs. Our message is simple: stay focused, work hard, and trust in your training when it matters most. Support from Major League Baseball and the Charlotte Knights has been invaluable to our efforts. Additionally, Queens University's baseball and softball teams proudly call our Knothole Facilities, known as the Stick Williams Dream Fields and Education Center, their home turf. Queens' student-athletes generously volunteer their time as tutors and mentors, running clinics for our young players. The children who participate in our programs greatly appreciate the guidance from these dedicated athletes, and the athletes themselves find fulfillment in nurturing future stars. Join us in celebrating the incredible work of Knothole Foundation - where dreams come to life and a brighter future is built. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of young individuals, empowering them to reach their full potential.
The Carolinas Metro Reds just wrapped up the Fall Instruction League. Thirty-five children, ages 4 to 18, participated in the weekly instruction to work on baseball fundamentals. The players were divided by age group to better address specific needs, with the youngest participating on Fridays, those aged 13 and 14 on Mondays, and the 15- to 18-year-olds on Wednesdays. On-field activities included fielding, throwing, baserunning, and pitching. The on-field sessions lasted two hours, with time spent on game situations as well as the fundamentals of the sport. Children then entered the indoor facility to work on hitting. Both players and parents were excited and pleased to participate in the sessions. Morris Madden said, “The Instructional League is important as it allows us to address issues identified in the Spring and Summer seasons. Children can work on mechanics as well as the mental aspects of the game. We have over 100 years of professional baseball experience on our coaching staff who can provide an intense level of instruction”. Visit our events page for the upcoming Winter Workouts and signups for the Spring season. Both provide opportunities to work on baseball and life skills.
Introducing Thomas Ealey , a dedicated baseball player hailing from Fort Mill High School. With an illustrious journey that includes six years with the Carolina Knights travel team, one year with Five Star, and another with CMR (Carolina Metro Reds), Thomas is on a mission to extend his baseball career into college while harboring aspirations of pursuing a degree in engineering. Thomas's passion for baseball took root at a young age, as he reminisces, "When I was 10...my passion for the game started to grow," a testament to the enduring love that has fueled his remarkable journey. Despite facing challenges related to his physique, being "shorter and slimmer," Thomas has learned the importance of consistency. "You have to stay consistent, be consistent," he advises, encapsulating the resilience required to overcome obstacles in the world of baseball. The Knothole Foundation has played a pivotal role in Thomas's development, providing him with invaluable opportunities and mentorship. Reflecting on his experience, he shares, "I met new mentors, new coaches. All coaches were super nice, and you can tell they really cared about what they did. They had a passion for the game, they wanted to stay in the game, they wanted to give back to the community...Which I thought was great." Thomas's involvement in the HBCU showcase, a significant national event organized by the Knothole Foundation, proved transformative. "I talked to many college coaches, and I received a couple of offers from that camp, which I am very grateful for," he recounts. The event not only facilitated connections with coaches but also provided insights into the intricacies of scouting. "You got to talk to coaches and figure out how they scout, what they do to scout," Thomas notes, emphasizing the educational aspect of the experience. At a dinner during the showcase, participants delved into topics such as NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and navigating the intricacies of staying in the game. "Overall, it was about how they give back to the community, which I think was great," Thomas remarks, highlighting the holistic approach to player development promoted by the Knothole Foundation. As Thomas continues to chase his goals of academic excellence, baseball success, and a future in engineering, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes navigating their own paths in the world of sports and education.
Meet Isaiah Redfearn , an impressive young baseball player currently enrolled at Independence High School. Isaiah's passion for the game ignited at a tender age, transforming his life in ways he could have never imagined. "I fell in love with the game at a young age, and ever since, it changed my life," he reflects with genuine enthusiasm. For Isaiah, the intersection of academics and athletics is crucial. "When I stay disciplined in school, I can enjoy baseball, which is a game I love," he notes, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between his studies and his beloved sport. Family plays a monumental role in Isaiah's baseball journey , a fact he doesn't take lightly. "My family played a humongous role in my baseball career! It is a blessing to have supportive family and friends," he expresses, acknowledging the unwavering support that has shaped his path. Isaiah's trajectory in baseball saw a significant boost through the Knothole Foundation, an organization that played a pivotal role in his development. "Them having a showcase, getting all my numbers and everything... and me being able to connect to coaches...and college coaches...being able to talk to them...yeah, they played a humongous role in my career," Isaiah shares, underscoring the impact of organizations like the Knothole Foundation in fostering young talent. As he strives toward his goal of playing college baseball and eventually turning professional, Isaiah imparts valuable advice to aspiring young players: "Stay disciplined, motivated, and consistently try to work better." These words encapsulate the ethos that propels Isaiah forward, serving as a guiding light for those who share his dreams on the diamond.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – The Knothole Foundation of the Carolinas hosted the 4th Annual HBCU Showcase event on August 9th and 10th, 2023 at the Richard “Stick” Williams Dreams Fields. The event gave 73 high school baseball players from 5 different states and the District of Columbia the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of more than 25 college coaches and scouts from schools across all three NCAA divisions, the NAIA, and the NJCAA. The event was a great success, with players showing off their skills and coaches and scouts getting a chance to see the talent on display. “It was great to see so many talented players come together and show off their skills,” said Morris Madden, Co-Founder of The Knothole Foundation. “We’re proud to be able to provide this opportunity for these young athletes to get noticed and potentially get recruited.” The event also featured a life skills banquet attended by over 200 people including players, parents, coaches, and event sponsors. The banquet featured a speakers panel from Alex Fourney from The Players NIL and Cecil Burrows from Wells Fargo to talk to the athletes about financial health. The players and their families had the opportunity to meet these speakers and representatives from partner companies to talk in more depth about topics around NIL financial health and college and career pathways for upward mobility. “We’re so proud to be able to provide this opportunity for these young athletes to learn more about financial health and college and career pathways,” said Cecil Burrows. “It’s important for them to understand the importance of financial literacy and how to make the most of their college experience.” About The Knothole Foundation The Knothole Foundation’s mission is to increase access and opportunities for underserved youth through a focus on baseball instruction, academic support, and life skills development. Visit www.knotholecarolinas.org for more details on this year's event and updates regarding plans for the Knothole Foundation’s 2024 HBCU Showcase event. Contact: Anthony Grillo, Director anthonygrillo@knotholecarolinas.org
