Photo via Yahoo Sports

What stories of MLB postseason heroes teach us about low-cost youth sports

Del Matthews brings deep familial ties to Major League Baseball, drawing on his father Gary Matthews and brother Gary Jr. who both enjoyed lengthy big league careers.

Currently serving as MLB senior vice president of baseball development, he oversees programs like MLB Develops, which works to eliminate financial barriers in youth sports by offering cost-free showcases, academies, and intersquad events across multiple cities. These initiatives have successfully supported twelve players currently active in the postseason who have participated in the programming since their early teen years.

Working alongside Tony Reagins over the past decade, Matthews has helped expand grassroots efforts such as Play Ball, Pitch Hit & Run, and the GRIT tour to foster skill development and accessibility for both boys and girls.

Up nextMLB· 2h ago

Mariners claim 1B/OF Michael Toglia off waivers in first offseason addition