In late 1997, a group of community leaders began discussions of how we might improve the conditions of youth baseball and softball fields in Montgomery County, Maryland and in the District of Columbia. The group was motivated by the value of youth sports to the development of character and citizenship. Excellent non-profit organizations have been established in our region to support youth sports. The playing conditions of the fields, however, are not always adequate.

In April 1998, the Bethesda Community Base Ball Club (BCBC) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland and is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. As part of the Montgomery County commitment to the National Promise to Our Children & Youth, BCBC made this promise: "The Bethesda Community Base Ball Club, Inc. Promises to raise money to improve the quality of youth baseball fields in Montgomery County and the District of Columbia. We begin by making improvements to the baseball field at Cabin John Regional Park in order to field a team of college players in the Clark C. Griffith Collegiate Baseball League starting in the summer of 1999. Proceeds from the team will go to improving little league baseball and softball fields at schools and in parks."

Through the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission's related Montgomery County Parks Foundation, the BCBC raised one million dollars in cash and through in-kind contributions to build Shirley Povich Field for these summer college baseball games. Virtually all the people involved with BCBC, including the president and board, are volunteers.

BCBC has created an atmosphere where athletes attending college become role models for children each summer. We are working closely with existing youth based organizations, including Bethesda-Chevy Chase Baseball, the Rockville Baseball Association, and the Potomac Boys Club. We also run a summer camp where our players and coaches teach local young stars. The value of sports to the development of full and contributing citizens is well documented. BCBC is dedicated to providing a community-based and family friendly approach to improving the lives of our young people.