Charlie Batch Gives Back!
Quote:
Ex-Lion gives back to youth
August 11, 2005
FREE PRESS NEWS SERVICES
PITTSBURGH -- Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch gives more than cash or autographs to his hardscrabble hometown of Homestead.
The former Lion and Eastern Michigan star donates his time, love, knowledge, trust, patience and commitment -- and yes, his money, too -- for six weeks every summer, running a youth basketball program so successful the nearby city of Pittsburgh wants to copy it.
"Charlie just didn't go out and put the program together and then come and visit, he's visible every night," Homestead mayor Betty Esper said. "I don't see him miss too many nights, except if there's a team function. He takes 200 kids off the streets, puts them with young men who volunteer and teaches them more than basketball -- he teaches them respect."
Batch chose basketball rather than football so both boys and girls from ages 7-18 could be involved. Batch runs the league and guides its 50-plus volunteers, makes sure the participants are getting good grades and serves as a mentor.
I always thought Charlie was a class act!
He may not have been our best QB but there have been many who were much worse. Charlie always had a strong presence when speaking to the media and was a good leader of the team - on and off the field. This is a great example of his character.
