
Our Story
Strike Out the Stigma is a mental health outreach initiative founded in 2022 with the mission to spark crucial conversations about mental health. We focus on promoting healthy habits, supporting those around us, and removing the negative connotation from mental health.
Our initiative also highlights local mental health services and resources to ensure they are integrated in our communities and accessible to all - especially young athletes.
To reach these goals, Strike Out The Stigma annually invites baseball and softball teams located in Eastern Iowa to participate in a fun and sociable scrimmage. Alongside the games, a guest speaker is hosted to deliver inspiring messages with tangible takeaways to participating athletes, coaches, parents, and community members. Past speakers include former MLB player and Champion Forward founder Ben Zobrist, Major Leagues University founder Austin Byler, and Foundation 2 Crisis Services. Check out some of highlights from previous events below!