Brown hits home run with initiative 

I wanted to create something that could help give more kids those same experiences.”

—Yorktown junior Kate Brown

Yorktown junior Kate Brown is known for striking out batters on the softball field and recently recorded her 300th career strikeout.

As strong as she is on the mound, she is equally focused off it, which is why she started her K’s for Kids initiative, which supports opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities and special needs to experience sports in meaningful ways.

She is also an ambassador for the Keeper of the Game Foundation, supporting its mission.

 The foundation’s mission is to provide athletes with disabilities and special needs with unique baseball experiences that foster growth and a love for the game.

“I started K’s for Kids this year as a way to take something I love—playing softball—and turn it into something more than just competition,” Brown said. “For the last couple of years, my dad and I have talked about how fortunate I’ve been to have so many opportunities in sports, and how we could use that to help others.” 

 Brown said what inspired her initiative was seeing the impact of programs like the Pioneer League at Yorktown High School and hearing over the years about the Keeper of the Game Foundation, which was founded by her father’s former St. Peter’s University baseball teammate James Vilade.

“It made me realize how powerful sports can be in bringing joy and confidence to kids with disabilities and special needs,” Brown said. “I wanted to create something that could help give more kids those same experiences and Mr. Vilade offered me an opportunity to be a Keeper of the Game ambassador—so K’s for Kids became a way to raise awareness and support while doing what I love on the field.” 

Brown said the response to her initiative from the community “has honestly been amazing and way more than I expected.”

K’s for Kids has received strong support from teammates, coaches and the Yorktown community.

“From teammates and coaches to the Pioneer League and people around Yorktown, everyone has been so supportive and encouraging,” Brown said. “The best part has been hearing directly from people connected with the Pioneer League athletes —seeing how much they enjoyed our Keeper of the Game event and knowing it made them feel included and celebrated.”

She added, “that’s really what this is all about. It’s also been great to see people rally around the mission of the Keeper of the Game Foundation and want to get involved, whether that’s through pledging support, sharing the message, or just showing up.” 

The Keeper of the Game event took place at Yorktown before the Huskers’ softball contest against Suffern on April 24.  

“We wanted to create that special moment before the Suffern game so that the Pioneer League athletes felt like they were a part of our team, not just spectators,” Brown said. “They love sports just like we do, so giving them the chance to be on the field—playing catch, hitting, being announced, throwing out first pitches—was really about making them feel included and celebrated.”

Brown said her goal was to make them feel like “they’re part of our program. That’s what sports should be about—bringing people together—and that’s a big reason why I started K’s for Kids in the first place.” 

There is also an upcoming clinic at Yorktown, which Brown is looking forward to. It is set for Saturday.

“We’re planning a really fun and interactive day where the Pioneer League athletes can be right on the field with us again,” Brown said about the May 9 clinic. “We’ll go through stations like throwing and catching, hitting off tees, some light fielding, and even small games so everyone can just enjoy playing softball together in a relaxed way. It’s about having fun, building confidence, and just being part of a team environment.” 

A big assist for the clinic comes from the Keeper of the Game Foundation.

“Keeper of the Game Foundation was incredibly generous and provided us with a grant that will help provide each participant with a t-shirt, glove and softballs,” Brown said. “I’m really excited about it. After seeing how much everyone enjoyed the game day, I can’t wait to spend more time with them and keep building those relationships.” 

For more information on K’s for Kids, visit sites.google.com/view/ks4kids and for the Keeper of the Game Foundation, visit keeperofthegame.org.