About Us
Built by a Baseball Family. Driven by a Mission.
Global Baseball Foundation was founded to ensure that every athlete who earns a spot on an international team has the opportunity to compete — regardless of financial circumstances.
Help me play international baseball — fundraising in the community.
Our Story
We Know What It Takes to Get There.
Global Baseball Foundation was created from firsthand experience. Founder Laurelis Lopez supported her son as he earned opportunities to compete in international baseball tournaments in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Making those opportunities possible required repeated fundraising, support from family and friends, and finding ways to manage significant tournament fees each time another opportunity came.
International baseball tournament fees can create a significant financial burden for families across many income levels. The costs add up quickly — and for many families, they stand between a talented athlete and the international stage they've earned.
Global Baseball Foundation was created to help ease that burden by providing financial assistance toward verified international baseball tournament participation fees for eligible youth athletes. Because when an athlete earns the opportunity, finances shouldn't be the reason they can't take the field.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
Global Baseball Foundation expands access to international baseball opportunities for youth athletes by providing financial assistance toward international baseball tournament participation fees, helping reduce the financial barriers that may prevent athletes from competing.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Equity
Every athlete who earns their spot deserves to compete. Financial circumstances should never be the deciding factor.
Excellence
We support athletes who have demonstrated commitment and earned their opportunity through hard work and talent.
Community
Baseball builds character, teamwork, and lifelong bonds. We invest in the whole athlete, not just the game.
Transparency
We operate with full accountability. Donors can trust that their contributions go directly to the athletes we serve.
Global Perspective
International competition broadens horizons, builds cultural understanding, and develops athletes as citizens of the world.
Lasting Impact
The experiences we fund create memories, opportunities, and pathways that shape athletes for the rest of their lives.
Board of Directors
The People Behind the Mission
Our board brings together expertise in business, education, nonprofit management, and baseball — united by a shared commitment to youth athletes.
Laurelis Lopez
Founder, President & Treasurer
Laurelis is a business and operations leader with more than 15 years of professional experience, including leadership in healthcare operations and organizational change. She is also actively involved in community service, fundraising, and youth baseball. As the parent of a competitive baseball player who has participated internationally, Laurelis founded Global Baseball Foundation from firsthand experience with the financial barriers families can face when athletes earn opportunities to compete abroad.
Janie Silverio
Director
Janie brings more than 15 years of experience in education, bilingual learning, leadership, and youth development. With a background in psychology and bilingual education, she has lived and worked across the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia — giving her a deeply international perspective that she brings to both her professional work and her role on the Foundation's Board. She has served as an educator and academic leader, mentoring students and supporting their growth across cultures and communities.
Karielis Guardiola
Director & Secretary
Karielis brings extensive experience working in the nonprofit sector, along with experience in project management, organizational planning, and community-focused work. Her background strengthens the Foundation's governance, organization, and commitment to operating as a mission-driven nonprofit.
Nelson Vargas
Director & Baseball & International Programs Advisor
Nelson is the Founder and Owner of The Hitter's Cave, a former collegiate baseball player, and an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. He brings extensive experience in baseball instruction and player development, along with relationships throughout the baseball community. He advises the Foundation on baseball programs, international tournament opportunities, and connections with athletes and academies.
Nonprofit Organization
Governed by Integrity
Global Baseball Foundation is a nonprofit organization governed by a dedicated Board of Directors with expertise spanning business operations, education, nonprofit management, and baseball — all united by a shared commitment to youth athletes and operating with full transparency.
Join the Mission
Whether you're an athlete who needs support or a donor who wants to make a difference — there's a place for you in this community.