Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Supports mission of EPA / LV T-Ball and Pitching Machine League, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving underserved youth for more than two decades.
- Founded by Coach Gene Tate, the program emphasizes personal development, academics, sportsmanship, and critical thinking.
- For 10 years, the league attends the Piper Davis Baseball Tournament, offering retired-pro mentorship and college campus tours to inspire higher education.
- Funds will help send players and a coach to a baseball combine in Hawaii to showcase talents to college coaches and scouts.
- Early bird registration open through August 1, 2025; register, donate (as little as $5), or contact Coach Gene Tate for details.
LAS VEGAS, June 16, 2025 — The East Palo Alto / Las Vegas T-Ball and Pitching Machine League is proud to announce its 19th Annual Golf Classic, taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Las Vegas Golf Club, located at 4300 W. Washington Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89107. The tournament will begin with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start and promises a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and purpose.
This signature fundraising event supports the mission of the EPA / LV T-Ball and Pitching Machine League, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has served youth from East Palo Alto, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada for more than two decades. Founded by the dedicated and visionary Coach Gene Tate 33 years ago, the league has become a beacon of opportunity for underserved children to participate in an affordable, supportive athletic program that emphasizes academics and community pride as much as the sport itself.
Unlike many youth sports leagues, the EPA / LV T-Ball Pitching Machine League focuses not only on the fundamentals of baseball, but also on personal development, critical thinking, and education. The program offers a minimally competitive environment that encourages sportsmanship and teamwork while promoting the importance of academic success and social responsibility.
“Our goal is to develop critical thinking, socially conscious, and athletic prowess in order to strengthen and create well-rounded student-athletes,” states Coach Gene Tate. “The annual golf tournament is one of our primary fundraisers, and I invite everyone to come out for a day of fun, camaraderie, and exciting challenge while supporting a worthy cause.”
For 10 years, the League has attended the Piper Davis Baseball Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. This event is more than just a competition, this trip offers youth athletes the chance to learn from retired baseball professionals about how education and sports have shaped their lives. Participants will also tour a local college campus, introducing them to the possibilities of higher education and inspiring future academic goals.
This year’s fundraiser tournament is especially exciting as the funds raised will help send several players and a coach to a baseball combine in January 2026 in Hawaii, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of college coaches and professional scouts.
Early bird registration is now open through August 1, 2025. Entry fees are:
- $500 per foursome
- $250 per couple
- $125 per single golfer
The league is also seeking community support to help fund the trip and other youth enrichment activities. Organizers are encouraging individuals to register for the tournament or to make a small donation—as little as five dollars—to help provide a remarkable experience for participating children. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
For more information or to register, please contact Coach Gene Tate at tatea1@yahoo.com or call 408-515-7489.
“Join us in building futures—one swing at a time.”
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