What started as a simple idea between two student-athletes has quickly grown into a meaningful community initiative in New Castle. Founded by Horace Greeley High School rising seniors Jake Levy and Leo Levin, Lil’ Ballers pairs high school athletes with kindergarten and first-grade baseball teams, helping young players build skills, confidence, and a love for the game.
Levy and Levin, both former players in the New Castle Baseball & Softball Association (NCBSA), recognized an opportunity to strengthen the local program. While parent volunteers play an essential role, coaching experience varies and families often face busy schedules, creating a gap that more experienced guidance could fill. In response, the two students launched Lil’ Ballers in 2023 to provide consistent mentorship and support for the program’s youngest players.
For Levy, the inspiration came directly from his own experience growing up in the program. “Leo and I really looked up to the older players who occasionally helped coach and mentor us when we were younger,” he says. “They made a big impact on how much we enjoyed baseball and improved the overall culture of our team. We wanted to recreate that experience for younger kids, transforming it from an informal practice into a reliable, structured program where high school athletes consistently coach youth teams and act as role models.”
Today, over 30 Horace Greeley student-athletes volunteer each spring, showing up on weekends to work directly with young players on the field. NCBSA President Andrea Payne has watched the program flourish firsthand: “Lil’ Ballers is not only a sports training program but also a mentorship program,” she says. “These high school athletes show up for hours every weekend, providing young players with role models from within the NCBSA and Chappaqua school system. Their sense of pride in the community shines through in all their efforts to make sure the youngest players have a successful season.”
For Levin, the reward goes beyond the baseball diamond: “It’s about mentorship and giving kids someone to look up to,” he says. “Watching kids gain confidence and actually enjoy being part of a team is what makes it so rewarding. Jake and I are given the opportunity to shape the next generation of Greeley athletes through a program that will continue to make a positive impact on our community long after we’ve graduated.”
Lil’ Ballers gives high school athletes an incredible opportunity to reconnect with the fundamentals of teamwork and fun, while younger players gain confidence and skills. As Levin puts it, “everybody wins.” Through baseball, Lil’ Ballers bridges age barriers to build genuine connections across the entire community.
The program’s reach continues to expand. Beyond the spring baseball season, Lil’ Ballers volunteers have also supported recreation basketball and youth soccer in New Castle. This summer, the program will partner with Neighbors Link to expand baseball opportunities throughout the community and make Lil’ Ballers even more accessible and inclusive.
With student leadership at its core, Lil’ Ballers is proving that sometimes the biggest impact comes from simply stepping up and helping the next generation fall in love with the game.
