CRSCBL Teams Step Up to the Plate in 12th Annual Manna Food Drive

Written by Mahaley Wise

For the 12th season, Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League teams collected food donations for the Manna Food Center. Staff and players from the Bethesda Big Train, Olney Cropdusters, Gaithersburg Giants, and Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts gathered food donations outside of nine Giant grocery stores for two hours on Saturday morning. Donations gathered were given to the Manna Food Center, a nonprofit dedicated to combating hunger in Montgomery County through food distribution, educational programs, and advocacy efforts. 

This year, the four teams combined to collect 2,267 pounds of food. In the last 11 years, the league has collected and donated more than 25 tons of food in total.

Big Train president Bruce Adams, who was collecting food Saturday morning, said, “They [the players] have been really positive about the experience.” He continued, “Anything you do that helps somebody else makes you feel better and makes us a part of the community.” 

Thunderbolts' head coach Brock Hunter was amazed by the community involvement. He said, “We got something from almost everyone who went into the store today.” 

Thunderbolts outfielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) added, “It's amazing to see the community support and everyone helping out each other.”  While some of the players are not from the area, they still find it important to help people in need. “Just going out and helping the community, it’s good to do even when you are not from around here,” he said. 

Sturtevant said he was inspired to come out and gather food because, “I think everybody deserves to have the things they need… It's great to help people who are less fortunate.” 

Big Train right-hander Michael Kass (Central Florida) said he was excited to join because, “It sounded like a really good opportunity to come out in the community and show Bethesda we care, we are excited to be here, and we want to help.”

Adams highlighted the difficulties Manna Food Center faces in the summer: “They are always happy that someone will go out in the 100-degree heat for them because their shelves get pretty bare in the summertime.” While a lot of food drives and donations occur during the winter holiday season, Manna Food Center often experiences a shortage in the summer months. 

“Baseball is our platform, but building a stronger community is our purpose,” Adams stated. The event connected with many of the members of the local community today, including local Big Train fans.  

“They are the best entertainment in Bethesda,” said John Green, a supporter who stopped by to donate canned goods. The event offered a chance for teams to engage with fans, strengthen community ties, and raise awareness for the CRSCBL. 

Bethesda Big Train left-hander Drew Bellis (Central Florida) said that he believes community service helps create a better bond between the team and local residents, showing that the players are committed to making a positive impact beyond the baseball field. “People in the community can look up to Big Train players. I think it brings the community closer when people see us doing things like this,” Bellis stated. 

When asked about his experience, Kass reflected, “I learned... it doesn’t take much to get a lot done and help a lot of people.” His takeaway emphasized the purpose of the event, as community efforts were brought together to make a meaningful difference for those in need. 

To learn more about the Manna Food Center and help make an impact, visit www.mannafood.org.