Giants Community Fund adds mental health & wellness education, support
The Giants Community Fund is taking action to make mental health and wellness resources more accessible for their Junior Giants players and families, following the tragic loss of a 13-year-old Junior Giants participant from Lamont, Calif., who sadly passed by suicide during the offseason. The initiative addresses the silent struggles faced by America’s youth and […]
The Giants Community Fund is taking action to make mental health and wellness resources more accessible for their Junior Giants players and families, following the tragic loss of a 13-year-old Junior Giants participant from Lamont, Calif., who sadly passed by suicide during the offseason.
The initiative addresses the silent struggles faced by America’s youth and provides support to help them navigate challenges like anxiety and depression, bullying, school-related stress, family and relationship challenges, and other issues. To support this effort, the Giants Community Fund is set to introduce new mental health and wellness resources, age-specific conversation starters, and training as part of the Junior Giants curriculum provided to each of their 28,000-plus annual participants across 85 leagues in California, Oregon and Nevada.
Recognizing the urgent need for connection, the Giants Community Fund has stepped up to the plate as part of Major League Baseball’s partnership with Crisis Text Line to offer a lifeline for youth in need. This mental health service offers free, confidential, round-the-clock crisis support via text message in English and Spanish, ensuring that young people have access to help during their most vulnerable moments.
More than physical fitness
Youth participation in sports can play an important role in promoting mental health and overall well-being. Engaging in sports offers many benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness. Earlier this year, Dr. Shairi Turner, Crisis Text Line’s Chief Health Officer, addressed this season’s Junior Giants league organizers at the annual Junior Giants Commissioners Camp to explore how the baseball or softball diamond can become a place for emotional growth and resilience.
“There’s nothing like the look in a child’s eyes when they know they have accomplished ‘that thing,’” Turner said. “That catch. That pitch. That kick. That tackle. That strike. It’s the thing they have practiced and trained for that they didn’t actually think they could ever achieve. And in that moment, you can see this incredible mix of amazement, pride, awe and new self-confidence. And, if you look really closely, you can see a window into well-being.”
This insight reveals what Junior Giants commissioners, coaches and parents have seen firsthand: Athletics offer more than physical benefits. Sports can provide a safe space where young people develop the emotional muscles they need to face life’s challenges.
According to Turner, youth sports are proven to:
Research from Crisis Text Line adds another layer to this understanding by highlighting what young people themselves identify as critical resources for mental wellness. After analyzing thousands of anonymized crisis conversations, research pointed to six key community resources that support youth mental health: opportunities for social connection, engagement in music, visual and written arts, mental health services, exercise and sports programs, books and audiobooks, and access to outdoor spaces and nature.
But the very resources proven to support mental wellness are vanishing from American communities. Local governments cut funding for parks by more than $2.5 billion from 2010 to 2021. Opportunities for social connection and playing sports also shrank considerably during this time — even though the youth population increased. The number of children participating in clubs fell by 1.8 million, and the number playing high school sports dropped by 1.4 million. Libraries face shrinking budgets, while art classes that once channeled emotional expression continue to disappear from school schedules.
“We understand these are the things that contribute to good mental health and well-being,” Turner said. “And they’re also the things that communities are lessening at the same time.” This paradox — diminishing support systems precisely when they’re needed most — underscores why programs like Junior Giants are needed now more than ever. Through organized sports, young people access three of the six critical resources they need: social connection, exercise and outdoor spaces.
Always ask: The power of one conversation
This season, Crisis Text Line is equipping Junior Giants coaches, commissioners and ambassadors with skills to have potentially life-saving conversations through its “Always Ask” approach. The core of this training includes:
“Fundamentally, anyone can have conversations that are clear and kind, and ask someone, whether it’s a fellow coworker, a young person, a coach or a parent, if they’re struggling,” Turner said. “The data show us you’re not going to cause someone to hurt themselves or take their own life if you ask.”
Instead, asking a simple question like, “I’ve noticed you’re not yourself lately. I’m concerned. Have you had any harmful thoughts?” can be the moment when someone feels seen and not alone.
For Junior Giants coaches and commissioners, this means getting to know their players and checking in regularly, modeling vulnerability by acknowledging when they themselves are not OK, using the program’s weekly mental health moments to normalize these conversations, and following the principle “if you see something, say something.”
Major League Baseball and Crisis Text Line’s partnership is making a difference already. Since launching, more than 1,400 individuals have sought help by texting “MLB” to 741741. As sports programs like Junior Giants continue to provide that “window into well-being” for young people across our communities, this partnership reminds us that behind every uniform is a young person navigating the complexities of growing up in today’s world. By building both athletic skills and emotional resilience on the field, we’re equipping them with tools that will serve them long after the final inning.
The Giants Community Fund is also partnering with mental health advocate Drew Robinson, mental skills coach Dr. Shana Alexander, mental health coordinator Emily Payette and the San Francisco Giants Mental Health Team to provide training and visibility on the topic of mental wellness. Together, these partnerships will provide valuable resources and support to Junior Giants participants, helping them build resilience both on and off the field.
If you or someone you know is struggling, text MLB to 741741 to connect with a live, trained Crisis Text Line volunteer Crisis Counselor for free, 24/7, confidential support in English or Spanish.
It’s been a special year for the Cornell men’s lacrosse team. Big Red has been the number one in the country for several weeks, and led by Tewaaraton Award finalist CJ Kirst. Now Cornell has a chance to cap off with a NCAA National Championship on Monday when Big Red takes on Maryland. “From the […]
It’s been a special year for the Cornell men’s lacrosse team. Big Red has been the number one in the country for several weeks, and led by Tewaaraton Award finalist CJ Kirst.
Now Cornell has a chance to cap off with a NCAA National Championship on Monday when Big Red takes on Maryland.
“From the time we recruit these guys to the time they come on campus, and throughout this year specifically, we spent a lot of time putting them in adverse situations,” said Connor Buczek, Cornell’s head coach. “That’s how you grow a little bit of a callus and an opportunity to just stay in the fight. And so, when we trust each other and there’s belief in that locker room.”
This will be a rematch of the 2022 title game, when the Terrapins defeated Cornell 9-7. It took for three years, but Buczek has finally led Big Red back within 60 minutes of winning its first national championship since 1977.
“When we trust each other, there’s belief in that locker room of every player is going to do their job,” Buczek said.
While it’s two in four seasons for Cornell, Maryland will be playing in its fourth national championship game in five seasons. This will be the fourth time Cornell and Maryland will be meeting in the title game.
“I know we’re going to enjoy the time together that we have,” Kirst said. “Not really focus on what’s going on right now, but focus on each other, focus on getting our bodies right, and all eyes to playing Monday.”
The Maryland team has a couple of connections to Upstate New York. Terrapins goalie Logan McNaney is from Corning. Maryland head coach John Tillman who’s also a Corning native, played and graduated from Cornell in 1991.
Maryland and Cornell will get underway 1 p.m. Monday from Gillette Stadium.
Inclusive Sports Event in Novosibirsk Highlights Power of Integration
Last Sunday, the city of Novosibirsk in Siberia, Russia, hosted a unique and heartwarming sports event that brought together children with special needs and their peers for a shared athletic experience. Organized by the “Lev” Inclusion Project under the auspices of the local Jewish community, the event marked the first of its kind in the […]
Last Sunday, the city of Novosibirsk in Siberia, Russia, hosted a unique and heartwarming sports event that brought together children with special needs and their peers for a shared athletic experience. Organized by the “Lev” Inclusion Project under the auspices of the local Jewish community, the event marked the first of its kind in the city.
Over 300 children of all ages participated in the inclusive marathon and running competitions, which were divided by age and ability. Younger participants ran 100 meters, while the older children competed in 800-meter races. Winners in each category were awarded medals in recognition of their efforts.
The event drew a wide audience, including government representatives and well-known athletes, all of whom praised the remarkable work being carried out by the “Lev” Project throughout the year. The initiative, which began in 2023, is dedicated to integrating children with special needs into the social fabric of the community through inclusive activities within the Jewish educational framework.
In a moving conclusion to the day’s events, adults from various partner businesses supporting the “Lev” Project also took part in the races. Each company sent representatives to run, show their support, and stand in solidarity with the cause of inclusion. Among the participants was the Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary of Novosibirsk, Rabbi Zalman Zaklos, who joined the race alongside the community.
The success of the race reflected the profound impact of the project—not only on the children with special needs, but also on their peers. Organizers and attendees alike noted how the experience fosters empathy, kindness, and a more positive outlook on life among all participants.
The “Lev” Inclusion Project continues to serve as a pioneering model in Russia and beyond, offering a transformative approach to education and community values, and inspiring similar efforts worldwide.
McNorton youth football clinic returns June 13 | News
A girls flag football team huddles up during a game in 2023. Once again, the Daytona Beach Parks & Recreation is hosting a league for local girls ages 10-15. The Bruce McNorton Youth Football Clinic returns to Daytona Beach on Friday, June 13 at Derbyshire Sports Complex at 849 Derbyshire Road from 5:30 p.m. to […]
A girls flag football team huddles up during a game in 2023. Once again, the Daytona Beach Parks & Recreation is hosting a league for local girls ages 10-15.
The Bruce McNorton Youth Football Clinic returns to Daytona Beach on Friday, June 13 at Derbyshire Sports Complex at 849 Derbyshire Road from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The annual free event is open for boys and girls 6 to 19 years old.
Kids will learn skills and drills from former pro players and local youth and high school football coaches. There will also be 7-on-7 play.
The clinic is put on by Daytona native Bruce Mc-Norton who is a former NFL player and former NFL scout.
Registration can be done online at www.DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities
For more information, contact Terry Johnson at 386-671- or JohnsonTerry@DaytonaBeach.gov.
Daytona presenting girls flag football
Due to the sport’s ever-growing popularity, the city of Daytona Beach Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a flag football league for girls ages 10 to 15 years old.
Free clinics are taking place at Derbyshire Sports Complex at 849 Derbyshire Road on Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The clinics are in preparation for the upcoming girls flag football season which runs through June. There is a registration fee of $40 for the girls who decide to play in the league.
Register online at https://www.DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities
For more information, call 386-671-5509.
Free baseball clinic coming in June
The Florida Minority Baseball Alliance is hosting a free baseball clinic for youth ages 5 to 12 years old at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday, June 7 at 8 a.m.
The clinic is part of the Florida Minority Baseball Alliance’s Florida Sunshine Classic which is a three-day event that promotes minority baseball players and baseball in minority communities. The event will be at Jackie Robinson Ballpark from Thursday, June 5 to Saturday, June 7.
The clinic is on the third and final day of the three-day event.
The Sunshine Classic Game is at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday, June 7 at 10 a.m.
Kids that attend the clinic can go to the game for free.
Also, during the three-day event there will be a parent’s conference, meet and greet, luncheon, players showcase and a college fair.
For more information, the complete schedule, reg- istration and more, visit https://www.thefmba.org.
El Toro can’t hold off Warren late, Chargers’ season ends in CIF semifinals –
Senior shortstop Camryn Bradshaw in the batter’s box for El Toro. Senior catcher Alyssa Bueno is behind the plate for Warren (PHOTOS: Adam Kunin, For OC Sports Zone). El Toro High School’s softball team couldn’t hold on late against Warren at home on Saturday afternoon, as the Bears made a seventh-inning comeback to defeat the […]
Senior shortstop Camryn Bradshaw in the batter’s box for El Toro. Senior catcher Alyssa Bueno is behind the plate for Warren (PHOTOS: Adam Kunin, For OC Sports Zone).
El Toro High School’s softball team couldn’t hold on late against Warren at home on Saturday afternoon, as the Bears made a seventh-inning comeback to defeat the Chargers 8-7 in the semifinals of the CIF Division 4 playoffs.
After falling behind 5-2, El Toro battled back to retake the lead in the sixth inning. However, Warren’s three-run seventh inning erased the Chargers’ two-run lead and propelled the Chargers to a road win.
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
El Toro meets postgame following its 8-7 loss to Warren in the CIF Division 4 semifinals.
El Toro senior left fielder Madison Huff cuts down her banner in her final game after El Toro’s 8-7 loss to Warren.
Warren starting pitcher, sophomore right-hander Emi Ibarra, prepares to deliver a pitch.
El Toro starting pitcher, sophomore right-hander Hayden Stofle, winds up to pitch.
Junior third baseman Sadie Mitchell hitting for El Toro. Senior catcher Alyssa Bueno behind the plate for Warren.
El Toro and Warren shake hands following their CIF Division 4 playoff game.
With the victory, Warren (20-12) punched its ticket to the CIF Division 4 title game, where it will play Long Beach Poly at Deanna Manning Stadium Friday at 3:15 p.m.
On the other hand, El Toro (14-13-1) had its CIF playoff run come to an end in the semifinal round.
Despite the loss, El Toro Coach Shannon Tinsley remained proud of her team’s perseverance throughout the season.
The Chargers, who started the spring with a 3-7 record, needed to make a push in league play to secure a spot in the postseason. The young group slowly found a groove and carried momentum into the playoffs, where it earned three victories before falling in the semifinals.
“We had a really slow start to the season in every way possible,” Tinsley said. “So to be playing our best softball in the biggest moment at the end of the year, I told them, I’m so proud of you guys.”
El Toro displayed its resilience on Saturday after it surrendered its 2-0 lead after a four-run frame from Warren.
The inning, highlighted by a three-run home run to left field from senior first baseman Rachel Lopez, put the Bears up 5-2.
However, the Chargers quickly responded. In the bottom half of the inning, El Toro tacked on three runs courtesy of three-straight RBI hits from senior shortstop Camryn Bradshaw, junior third baseman Sadie Mitchell and junior first baseman Emerson Rollins.
Then, the Chargers found some more offense in the fifth and sixth. A sacrifice fly from junior catcher Karissa Spieler gave El Toro the go-ahead run in the fifth, while Bradshaw launched a solo shot over the fence in left to give her team some insurance in the sixth.
Yet, the Bears didn’t back down. Doubles from senior left fielder Sophia Munguia and junior shortstop Lexi Cortez helped Warren score three in the seventh, which proved to be enough for the Bears on the road to pick up an 8-7 victory.
The loss marked the line for El Toro’s two seniors in Bradshaw and left fielder Madison Huff.
Bradshaw, who won El Toro female athlete of the year, played a crucial role in turning the program into a perennial postseason team.
“Camryn Bradshaw is the gold standard … Her numbers are impressive, but it’s her intangibles that make her really special,” Tinsley said.
Bradshaw remains optimistic that under Tinsley, the program can continue to grow.
“Before I came here, they (El Toro) hadn’t made the postseason in a really long time,” Bradshaw said. “I remember stepping on the field freshman year, and coach Shannon had a different message for the team, and I was thankful I got that all four years.
“We do things that people don’t see … That’s the reason we keep getting so far, and I’m really excited to see how this program continues to grow.”
The young team, with five freshmen and two sophomores, looks forward to gearing back up for another run at the postseason next spring. Nonetheless, Tinsley hopes the Chargers can learn from this season, as she believes getting their underclassmen to get integrated quickly will remain vital to the squad’s success next year.
“When those freshmen bought in, that’s really when we turned the corner,” Tinsley said. “I think it’s just [about] getting the new kids next year to buy in early.”
Local Dojo Nabs Pair of State Titles at Junior Olympics
– Advertisement – On the last weekend of April, the 2025 Florida State Boxing Junior Olympics Amateur Tournament was held in Orlando, Florida. The Spring Hill-based dojo Primal Striking and BJJ represented the area well with five fighters, two of whom won individual state titles in their respective divisions. “Good squad,” said Primal Striking Coach […]
On the last weekend of April, the 2025 Florida State Boxing Junior Olympics Amateur Tournament was held in Orlando, Florida. The Spring Hill-based dojo Primal Striking and BJJ represented the area well with five fighters, two of whom won individual state titles in their respective divisions.
“Good squad,” said Primal Striking Coach Frank Alagna. “I am so proud of them. Honestly, we really had a great time. It was a great weekend in Orlando, and for them to come back with new hardware for the gym – really special.”
The coach’s five fighters included: – Brayan “The Cuban Missile” Diaz Granado – Anthony “Ant-Man” Page – Francesco “El Coqui” Alagna – Luis (LJ) “Lockjaw” Rodriguez – Jayden “El Flaco” Soto
The nine-year-old Anthony was victorious in the 85-pound class, earning him the Junior Olympic Gold Medal on Sunday.
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“It was just cool knowing that I was going to go to the Junior Olympics,” said Anthony.
Brayan, 18 years old, took the state title in the Youth 132-pound weight class. When discussing Granado further, Coach Alagna paid homage to Four Corners Boxing Coach Anthony Vasquez, whom he called “one of the best coaches in the state.”
Coach Alagna and company have held several joint sparring sessions with the New Port Richey-based Vasquez. Across their interactions, Coach Vasquez relayed to the Primal Striking instructor who Brayan was and that the boxer was moving from New Port Richey to Spring Hill.
Granado had no fights under his belt, but Coach Alagna noted that “it was kind of a blessing that he gave me.” Once Brayan became a part of Primal Striking in the spring of 2024, Alagna had the boxer train for about six months before flying him up to New York for his first fight.
His coach added that Granado won a New York State Championship at the New York State Fairgrounds in front of thousands of people. Now, Granado has competed in six fights (excluding two no-shows by his opponent) and has a state title to his name.
“It meant a lot to compete [in Orlando] because I am coming off two losses, so I really needed this big win for the Olympics,” said Granado. “I feel like boxing is all I got […] I needed this win so I could keep on advancing in boxing because it is a need. It is not like I want to do it, it is like all I got.”
The boxers began their time at Primal Striking having never competed in an official match, and now they are both Florida State Junior Olympic Champions. At 9 and 18, the pair represents the youngest and oldest boxers who competed for Coach Frank Alagna in Orlando. The fighters are varied not just in age, but in styles, too.
“Very proud of these boys,” said Coach Alagna. “Every one of them has their own style and their own skills that they bring to the table […] It is a wide range, and how they work together and care about each other and really truly have that team attitude […] they are all right there cheering, video recording, and supporting each other as well as in the gym.”
It has been exciting for the Primal Striking coach to see the program grow over the last four-plus years. Founded in 2021 with only four members and Francesco Alagna as the sole fighter representing the dojo, Primal Striking and BJJ has grown each year. Last year, three fighters were sent to the Junior Olympics, while this year, five made the trip.
For Coach Alagna, though, it is not solely about boxing but rather the skills that the sport can foster. He wants boxing to be just one part of the athletes’ fulfilling, multi-faceted lives.
“That is what I want these kids to get excited about. Going to college and using their skills in the classroom […] using that mental skill in a boardroom, learning how to debate somebody [and being quick and accurate].”
Anthony “Ant-Man” Page (left) and Brayan “The Cuban Missile” Diaz Granado (right) took home state titles at the 2025 Florida State Boxing Junior Olympics. [Photo by Austyn Szempruch]
De La Cruz homers, drives in 4 runs as Reds hold off Cubs to snap 3-game skid
CINCINNATI (AP) — Elly De La Cruz drove in four runs and the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 Saturday to end a three-game losing streak. Justin Turner and Carson Kelly homered as the Cubs had a three-game winning streak snapped. Kelly came into the game in the fifth inning after catcher Miguel Amaya […]
CINCINNATI (AP) — Elly De La Cruz drove in four runs and the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 Saturday to end a three-game losing streak.
Justin Turner and Carson Kelly homered as the Cubs had a three-game winning streak snapped. Kelly came into the game in the fifth inning after catcher Miguel Amaya suffered a left oblique strain.
De La Cruz and the Reds struck quickly in the first. After Santiago Espinal drew a walk with one out, De La Cruz lined a fastball by Colin Rea (3-1) into the seats in right-center for a 2-0 lead.
The dynamic 23-year-old shortstop added a two-run base hit to center in the fifth inning to extend the Reds’ advantage to 5-1.
The top of the Reds’ order went 5 for 11 and accounted for five runs scored.
Emilio Pagán got his 13th save in 15 opportunities.
Cincinnati starter Andrew Abbott (4-0) allowed only one run in six innings. The solo shot by Turner was the first homer the left-hander had allowed in 23 2/3 innings and 100 batters.
Rea, who had allowed only 10 runs (nine earned) in seven previous starts this season, gave up six runs in five innings.
Key moment
Turner’s homer off the left-field foul pole to lead off the ninth got the Cubs within two runs. Matt Shaw doubled with one out, but Emilio Pagan struck out Ian Happ and got Kyle Tucker to fly out to end the game.
Key stat
Turner is the first Cubs player age 40 or older to homer in a game since Gary Gaetti in 1999. Ernie Banks, Davey Lopes, Walker Cooper and Charlie Root are the other Cubs who have homered in their 40s.
Up next
Cubs right-hander Ben Brown (3-3, 5.44 ERA) faces Reds lefty Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.22 ERA) in the series finale Sunday.
