Samo baseball player Jamie Rosenberg starts charity Kids with Dreams
Brooke WeissStaff WriterAll of his hard work pays off when senior baseball player Jamie Rosenberg helps provide old and new baseball uniforms as well as bats and gloves to children approximately 4,881 miles away in the Dominican Republic. Rosenberg donates these items to The Dodgers Dream Foundation, allowing these children to thrive in their athletic passion. His charity foundation, Kids with Dreams, is the essence of his inspiration and motivation.It started when Rosenberg communicated with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), which referred him to The Dodgers Dream Foundation. This foundation collects all of Kids with Dreams' donations and ships over supplies to the Dominican Republic.Rosenberg's community service is more of a hobby for him than a duty. Giving back is something enjoyable for Rosenberg. Above all, he found a passion in giving back to the baseball world, the world he loves best.“I personally feel like giving back to anyone in need is the most rewarding thing anyone can do,” Rosenberg said. “Creating Kids with Dreams is one of the best things I could have ever done.”When Rosenberg saw his former baseball coach throwing away used uniforms, he knew there were people who could put them to good use. Rosenberg began finding himself collecting all sorts of baseball clothes, and instead of shoving the plethora of jerseys, gloves, bats and pants in a tight closet, Rosenberg stored all of the gear in his very own bathroom while brainstorming what to do next.“With one of my bathrooms filled entirely with clothes, I began to think of the big picture," Rosenberg said. "Looking at the piles of gear triggered something.”Rosenberg has also gotten his teammates involved. Seniors Joey Rosenblum and Kostas Garcia are especially enthusiastic.“When [Rosenberg] first told me about his idea, I was ready to help," Rosenblum said. "This was important to me, because it wasn't just some club to go to for free pizza or to see a Scandanavian break dance. It was a club that was determined to help the world become a more balanced and giving place. When I discovered that we could deliver belts, cups, hats, shirts, and most notably gloves and pants to kids in the Dominican, I felt exhilarated at the opportunity to help kids build the same love and passion for baseball that I have always had, and will always have."
"Do not hesitate to do what you can to help and support other people in need," Mota told Rosenberg.From then on, Rosenberg realized the impact his charity was making.“I learned that in the Dominican Republic, some schools give out 300 lunches per day and that could easily be some kids' only meal,” Rosenberg said. “It really stuck in my brain and I want to do so much more to give back. Learning this really inspired me to expand my charity to new horizons.”Kids with Dreams received a great response from many in the community and Los Angeles as a whole. Before he knew it, Rosenberg found himself talking about his goals and dreams on the radio, landing a spot on 90.7, KPFK’s radio segment, Pocho Hour of Power. The weekly show talks mainly about social and political issues, and brings in a variety of special guests, including Rosenberg.“Once I got into the booth, my legs started shaking and the microphone was in front of my face. I couldn’t stop smiling,” Rosenberg said. “My nerves began to calm down as I realized I was talking about something I am passionate about.”Host Jeff Keller found Rosenberg and wanted to raise awareness to the cause. He applauded his idea and willpower, astonished at what Rosenberg has accomplished at only 17.“I am so proud of my son. Words cannot explain it,” Rosenberg’s father said on air.The radio interview gave attention to Rosenberg’s charity and several listeners offered to help in various ways. By sending clothes or praising his efforts via email, many showed enthusiasm towards Rosenberg and the cause.The three players automatically wanted to spread the love of baseball to places that wouldn't necessarily have the privilege to play the sport."The Dominican Republic is something very fond to all Major League Baseball (MLB) fans' hearts, especially baseball nerds and Varsity baseball players like Jamie and me," Rosenblum said.Rosenberg and Rosenblum soon learned that even though some of these child athletes have potential, they are deprived of the appropriate gear to play baseball. Some of these children end up using sticks as bats and pieces of cardboard as gloves."The best feeling is the ability to pass down the resources and necessities to help future generations who may not have a lot of money to buy baseball gear, embrace and love baseball," Rosenblum said.After his 15 minutes of fame on air, Rosenberg decided on new sets of goals including the involvement of many more inspired people. In the long run, Rosenberg wants to create a center in Santa Monica where he can donate baseball clothing and gear to children in South Central."Just thinking about the kids' faces when they receive any articles of clothing that I had helped donate, makes me appreciate everything around me so much more," Rosenberg said. "I know that I had just made a difference."bweiss@thesamohi.com