Rostov-on-Don is located about
600 miles south of Moscow with a
population of 1.2 million people.

Rotary Fields of Dreams: Youth Baseball in Russia

How it all began

The Youth Baseball in Russia project began during a December 2002 visit to Rostov-on-Don, Russia by District 6110 Assistant Governor Ronald Petty. Ron was there to assist the Rostov-on-Don Rotary club to continue in its development as a viable organization.

In a conversation with the club President Dimitri Parshikov, we discussed the current situation of youth in the city. One of the major changes after the Soviet Union was a reduction or elimination of programs designed to provide Russian youths with constructive activities

after school and during summer breaks. These sponsored youth activities evaporated and the kids were becoming involved with antisocial activities including, substance abuse.

Ron suggested to Dimitri that we consider expanding the game of American baseball in the city to provide the kids with a fun summer time activity builds teamwork while increasing connections with kids in America.

In November 2003, Dimitri sent me an email that he had contacted someone in Rostov-on-Don who was interested and involved in youth baseball. Arthur Markidan coached a youth baseball team and was interested in developing the sport in Russia.

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The District Project


The Rotary Club of North Tulsa and the Rotary Club of Rostov-on-Don, Russia are sister clubs and the American club was the sponsor for the Russian club. Through partnership the clubs have assisted an orphanage in Russia, sponsored a youth exchange student, and hosted club member exchanges.

Home Run For Russia is a continuation of that partnership. The Rotary Club of Tulsa is joining with these two relative new and small membership base clubs to extend youth baseball in Russia. Past District Governor Don Rubottom, Tim Colwell, Jim Weems, and Ron Burton of the Rotary Club of Tulsa have served as committee members to spear head efforts build awareness of the project and raise funds to build the baseball fields. Steve Clark, club president (2004-2005) is also an avid supporter of the project.

Cultural exchange programs benefit world peace and understanding, and sports are one of the most important sources of developing positive human interaction known to mankind.
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What We Need From You
Situation: There are about 50-60 Russian kids playing baseball in the city currently using soccer fields as baseball fields. Playing equipment, baseballs, gloves, bats, shoes, and uniforms
is limited because of scarce resources and baseball is new to Russia. The coaching is limited in experience and knowledge of the game of baseball, but the enthusiasm is great.
Learn how you can be part this wonderful effort. Contact the District 6110 Chairman Ron Petty.
(918) 742 4822, or Info@RotaryBaseball.com