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JAN’17
news&information
MTAG Builds Baseball Field
in Guadalupe, CA
Partnership with
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
2016
YEAR IN
REVIEW

Chicago IL
Richmond CA
Rodeo CA
Guadalupe CA
Auburn AL
Phenix City AL
Columbus GA
San Cristobal
El Mammon
Magdalena Batey
La Romana
Matagalpa
COSTA RICA
Sortova
Bongo
Medellin
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW
Who are we?
More Than A Game, commonly referred to as MTAG (em-tag),
is a non-profit organization that uses athletics as a vehicle to
globally serve others. The organization was founded six years
ago fueled by the desire to present the game of baseball to new
cultures and communities. The founders quickly realized the positive
off the field influences that baseball had on these communities,
and adopted a name that signified the broader significance:
“More Than A Game.”
MTAG’s goal is to inspire athletes and coaches to use their
sport as a pedestal to propel them to become leaders in their
communities. MTAG strives to empower these leaders through
Community Outreach Projects, Immersion Projects, and Equipment
Drives. In turn, these projects inspire entire communities, a
fact which provides more opportunities for young athletes while
empowering them to reach their potential as leaders.
Community Outreach Project
Community Outreach Projects are one-day projects that look to
do as much as possible for the community in that time frame.
MTAG provides free instructional baseball clinics and equipment
giveaways to the kids of the community. Along with the
clinic, MTAG provides restoration to baseball fields in need.
Additionally, it enlists the support of local baseball teams and/
or professional players to administer the clinics and restorations,
providing top-level instruction and experience. MTAG also
partners with local businesses and leaders in the community to
create ongoing support that will provide continued opportunities
for local youth. Noteworthy is the fact that there is a mutual
enlightenment for those who participate in the services inasmuch
as through the process the coaches and other contributors are
able to see how they can make impressions on kids and positively
affect a community while at the same time fueling their own
sense of purpose.
Service/Immersion Projects
Through the Immersion Projects, MTAG has the opportunity
to impact children all over the world. The goal of these trips is
simple: to bring baseball equipment, instruction, and restore
or construct baseball fields for areas in need for a sustained
period of time. However, what is created goes beyond the
material items that are provided. Initially, the cultural exchange
creates friendships and bridges gaps between communities and
language barriers. More immediately, MTAG is able provide the
children with activities to keep them busy and active by giving
their communities the ability to play the great game of baseball
on safe and playable baseball fields. Perhaps most significantly,
MTAG strives to empower the children with important life skills
such as teamwork, respect, dedication, and also the importance
of giving back to their respective community. To achieve these
goals MTAG usually travels with a group of 10-30 volunteers to
these countries and has been fortunate to have volunteers who
have played baseball at the collegiate and professional levels.
Our volunteers allow us not only to offer top-level instruction
but also to reach the communities as ambassadors to show the
kids how important it is to work hard and be good citizens. The
long-range hope is that the efforts of MTAG leave behind an
enduring sense of community and personal responsibility as well
as a vehicle to provide opportunities for youth in need.
Equipment Drive
MTAG serves communities throughout the world that are in need
of basic baseball equipment. We partner with local baseball
teams, communities, organizations, and businesses to procure
equipment that can be shipped or donated in person. This
allows us to provide as much as we can at an arms reach when
completing a Community Outreach Project or Immersion Project
is not as easily available. Additionally, MTAG can continue to
provide updated equipment to previously served areas.
1 www.morethanagameus.com

Miller Brothers build field in Guadalupe
For the past 3 years Josh Miller has been
volunteering with the organization More
Than A Game, a non profit that uses baseball
as a vehicle to empower communities
throughout the world. His projects have
bought him to Colombia, the Dominican
Republic, and Panama where he help facilitate
baseball field renovations, administer
clinics and donate equipment to schools
and organizations.
Josh got involved with More Than A Game through Marshall
Murray the organization’s founder. “I played for Marshall and
his philosophy of not only being great at what you do, but using
that as a way to positively influence communities struck a chord
with me. I admired his ability to foster growth within people
by challenging them and putting them in situations that they
wouldn’t normally experience.” He continues: “More Than A
Game has given me a purpose after baseball, I am able to use
my experience as player to help influence people in different
communities throughout the world which has been much more
satisfying and longer lasting that my playing career.”
His brother, Michael Miller was drafted in the 9th round by the
Boston Red Sox in the 2012 draft. He made his MLB debut with
the Red Sox on June 27, 2016, against the Tampa Bay Rays.
“Michael has always been my hero and I
admire him for making his dreams come
true by playing in the Major Leagues.”
Josh said. “Since being involved with
More Than A Game I have searched
for opportunities to get my brother
involved.”
Josh found this opportunity at a school
in Guadalupe, California, that had a
dilapidated baseball field and after further
investigation found out that there
were no baseball programs in the town. Guadalupe is a migrant
worker, agricultural town just south of San Luis Obispo. “They
don’t have youth sports in the city. If they want to play they
have to go to a neighboring community which is difficult for a lot
of the families. Not only financially, but finding time to make the
commute to go to practice or games when they are working 6
days a week, long hours, is challenging.”
Josh immediately enlisted the support of his brother Michael to
solve this problem for the town of Guadalupe. “I have always
been a fan of More Than A Game, I was excited my brother and
I could do a project together.” The two devised a plan to reconstruct
the baseball field enlisting the support of locals, businesses
and school board supervisors. After long days of petitioning
and fundraising, the Miller brothers compiled a team of volunteers
to lead the project, that included the More Than A Game
founder, Marshall Murray and Sean Peters a recent graduate and
baseball player at the University of California. The group was
able to pitch to Paul Adler, Phillips 66 Community affairs and
relations manager, to sponsor the project as well as CNN to get
coverage of this project. A film crew was with the MTAG team
the entire week following and documenting the story.
The team of four spent the entire week immersed in the community.
The primary goal of the project was the restoration of the
school baseball field. The long days required hard work including:
spreading truckloads of dirt, followed by endless hours
on a tractor leveling the diamond. Other smaller projects were
constructing benches, putting in bases, fixing fences, and painting
the backstop. Although there was a lot of work, the group
found time to connect with the community in other ways. One
day they were up before sunrise to pick strawberries with the
locals at a farm. This is something that More Than A Game takes
pride in. “Helping out other people in the community helps us
build relationships and show people that we are invested in the
community.” Josh Miller said. Michael also leveraged his Major
League status speaking at school assemblies and classrooms,
promoting baseball and offering words of encouragement to
follow your dreams.
When reflecting on his experience, Michael said,“It’s really fulfilling
to be able to achieve my childhood dream of playing in the
Big Leagues, but being able to use that platform to get in front
of hundreds of kids is what makes More Than A Game special.
My story is important for me to share because I’m not the biggest
guy, so for kids to see that someone who looks like anyone
walking down the street can achieve their dreams is important.
Getting the point across that the character is what takes you
where you want to be is good for kids to hear. Hearing the
importance of respect, determination, hard work, and working
with others, everything teachers and parents tell their kids, but
hearing it from another source, helps bring it home.”
At weeks end and successful completion of the field restoration,
the group partnered with the Cal Poly Baseball team to offer
a free clinic to the kids of Guadalupe. Over 100 people were
at the event which has sparked the town interest of playing
baseball. The Miller brothers continue to frequent the community
once a week offering instruction and continuing to develop
baseball in Guadalupe.
www.morethanagameus.com 2

Partnership with the PITTSBURGH PIRATES
In the Dominican Republic baseball is more
than a game, it is a way of life. It provides an
opportunity for young athletes and their families
to prosper in this developing country. In 1956,
Ozzie Virgil became the first Dominican to play
in the MLB creating a trend that was followed by
the likes of Albert Pujols, Sammy Sosa, Manny
Ramirez, David Ortiz, Felipe Alou, and many
more. Since Virgil, almost 600 Dominicans have
played or are playing in the MLB, and today, a quarter of the
7,000 minor league players are from the Dominican Republic.
The MLB looks to draw from this pool of talent and each of the
30 MLB teams has placed a developmental academy in the
Dominican Republic. These academies provide an opportunity
for a better life through the game of baseball. The players
pursue professional contracts, hoping to go to the United States.
However, only the best of the best make it. That is where MTAG
steps in. Where sugar cane and baseball players are Dominicans
number one exports, MTAG fills the void by providing community
programs and more opportunities to young athletes. MTAG
provides after school programs, safe playing fields, and potential
opportunities for players to study and play college baseball in
the United States.
During 2015 spring training, MTAG’s President Tim Fanning, was
invited to share organizational beliefs with the Pirates. A relationship
grew with Kyle Stark, the Assistant General Manager,
and the two created
a partnership to do a
project in the Dominican
Republic. Amaury
Telemaco, who is the
Latin American Pitching
Coordinator, helped
identify the communities
in need. The Pirates
Organization has always
strived to give back to
the surrounding areas through community service, however partnering
with MTAG gave them a way to impact these communities
on a larger
scale.
More Than A Game has done amazing
things here in the Dominican Republic.
-Amaury Telemaco
With the help of Pirates Charities
and their financial support, MTAG was able to construct a baseball
field in La Romana, at the end of 2015. The construction of
this new field had such a profound impact on the community
that Telemaco and the Pirates wanted to continue the partnership
the following year. “More Than A Game has
done amazing things here in the Dominican
Republic. They brought smiles and
touched the hearts of the
people in La Romana.
The Pittsburgh
Pirates
3 www.morethanagameus.com

want to continue their relationship with MTAG and their efforts
to positively impact communities through the game of baseball.”
said Telemaco.
Bill Veeck once said, “There are only two seasons-winter and
baseball.” Luckily for the tropical island, there is no winter. However,
there was a difference on the Island when MTAG returned
during the summer of 2016. The professional baseball season
was underway. The MLB academies were teeming with activity as
the young players from all over Latin America. The Pirates welcomed
MTAG into their facility and allowed the group to present
to the Coaches, players and staff what they had been able to
accomplish in the nearby communities. This sparked a lot of
interest with many of the players and a few were inspired to give
up their mornings to go to work restoring baseball fields.
Word spread through the community that the group was back.
Once the children saw the Pirates players, they were awe stuck.
The players, many of whom were only 16 or 17, became the center
of attention. Painting, building mounds and batter’s boxes,
pulling weeds, as well as playing catch and conversing with the
kids. It was apparent that the kids were looking into their futures,
as players with a Major League organization. The players were
getting a life changing perspective, that they had the power to
positively influence their own communities by giving their time.
It is apparent when there is a tangible need for a new field or new
equipment, but being able to put a smile on the kids faces by
playing a simple game of catch, the players began to see their
importance to their own communities.
More Than A Game continues to work in the Dominican Republic
with Pittsburgh Pirates building baseball fields, donating equipment,
creating opportunities, and continuing to grow the game.
www.morethanagameus.com 4

COMMUNITY OUTREACH DAY Rodeo, California
MTAG and the Walnut Creek Crawdads partnered with Phillips
66 to host a Community Outreach Day at Lefty Gomez Field
in Rodeo, California, also deemed Baseball Town USA. Over
sixty kids from Rodeo Baseball Association came out to participate
in the baseball clinic and watch as MTAG brought life
to the baseball field. Each kid that showed up received a new
EvoShield arm sleeve and a Nike belt provided by Lids. The
Walnut Creek Crawdads led the children in an instructional
clinic, teaching and reinforcing the basics of the game such
as catching, throwing, and batting. Then the kids split up into
teams playing games and other competitions. While some
Crawdads were leading drills, others were helping restore
the fields. With the help of Turface Athletics MTAG was able
to restore the batter’s box on Lefty Gomez Field, and revitalized
the 5-6 year-old’s field adding field conditioner and
clearing weeds. At the end of the clinic each Crawdad gave
an award to a player that impacted them in someway. It was a
special moment watching our players become mentors to the
younger players. With over one hundred people going home
with smiles on their faces, it was a truly beautiful day at Lefty
Gomez Field.
The Rodeo event began a successful string of Outreach Days
that allowed us to work and partner with the likes of Tim
Hudson (17 year major league veteran), Mike Miller (Boston
Red Sox) and Anfernee Grier (1st Round Draft Pick, Arizona
Diamondbacks).
Not to mention, kids received instruction from Auburn University,
University of California, Cal Poly University and Columbus
State University players and coaches in hopes of inspiring
and empowering not only the needy youth in these areas but
the players themselves learning the power of service through
the game they love. In addition, MTAG received tremendous
support from the Walnut Creek Crawdads,
Phenix City Crawdads and local high school baseball programs
through volunteers to make these events a success.
Equipment Drive with Marmion Academy
Aurora, Illinois
The Marmion Academy, (Aurora, Illinois) Baseball Team held a equipment drive this fall to benefit More Than A Game
communities.
Head Coach Frank Champman said, “Our program is excited to be involved with a charity like More Than A Game. It’s
a great opportunity for us to share in the life lessons that baseball offers by donating equipment to those in need. We
look forward to expanding our relationship with More Than A Game by participating in mission trips abroad in the future.”
More Than A Game plans to work with the Marmion Baseball team on a immersion project Internationally as well as a
Community Outreach Day in the Greater Chicago Area.
5 www.morethanagameus.com

Colombian Ballplayers
Come to USA
MTAG featured in Documentary Film
More Than A Game’s project in Richmond, California was the
inspiration for Dream Media’s film, “The Park.” Adam Nesheim
of Dream Media and The Director of the film said, “I saw that
there was a story to be told beyond the tangible things that
More Than A Game provides for communities. This is a story
about Richmond and how an organization like More Than A
Game provides help, hope and inspiration, being an outlet for
kids.”
The Project highlighted four baseball field restorations in city
parks, and a free baseball clinic with the University of California
Baseball Team and the Catching Academy.
De La Salle High School (Concord, Ca) alums Jonny Tucker
and Michael Miller were featured volunteers for the project.
Tucker, recently retired from professional baseball and new
inductee to the De La Salle Hall of Fame said, “My Family is
from Richmond, and now that I am retired I am understanding
the importance of giving my time to others.” Miller, who made
his Major League debut with the Red Sox this season said, “I
have always been a fan of More Than A Game, because of my
brother Josh, and I got to finally be a part of it.”
More Than A Game continues work in Richmond with field
restorations and free baseball clinics.
Partnership with Colby Rasmus
MTAG would like to announce one our
newest partnerships with Colby Rasmus
and CR Baseball. Colby is an eight year
major league veteran (Cardinals, Blue Jays
& Astros) and currently resides in his home
town of Phenix City, AL. The partnership
will allow us to serve the youth of this community through
free clinics, equipment donations, field renovations and
international trip opportunities. First on the agenda for 2017, a
Community Outreach Day in January. We at MTAG are excited
for this opportunity and have no doubt that this partnership will
impact countless lives for many years to come.
MTAG’s project in
Medellin, Colombia
brought back
more that just
fond memories
and a new community,
it helped
give students the
opportunity to
attend college
and further their
baseball career in
the United States.
L to R: Abelardo Paz, Jose Mercado and
Mateo Poras
For baseball players in Colombia there are not
many opportunities to play baseball at a competitive
level after high school. We had the chance to
meet three young players, Jose Mercado, Mateo
Poras and Abelardo Paz, who had dreams of
playing beyond high school but their opportunities
in Colombia were limited. Through a long letter
writing and visa process and with the help of Patrick
Powers, a local Philanthropist, MTAG was able to
invite these players to play summer baseball on The
Walnut Creek Crawdads and Phenix City Crawdads
Collegiate teams. But a season of summer baseball
was not the end for them. All three players, realized
that they had the ability to play at the collegiate
level in the United States, so they each applied at
Laney College in Oakland, California. Since Laney
has a large International Student Department and
English Second Language Program it was an easy
fit for them. The students were accepted into Laney
and were able to get Student Visas to study in the
United States.
The three student-athletes are in the middle of their
sophomore year, and each are now fluent in English.
They have also excelled on the baseball field
winning the conference championship last year, and
Jose Mercado was named Second Team All-American.
The three Colombians are excited for this
upcoming season and hope to further their studies
and baseball careers at a four-year university after
this spring.
www.morethanagameus.com 6

Letter From the President
As I look back at this year, I feel a sense of pride to be associated with such an amazing group of people.
Our organization has grown leaps and bounds over the last five years due to the unwavering support of
our gracious sponsors and volunteers. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Directors,
Coordinators, Coaches and Interns for the tireless dedication that make all this possible. Their passion for
serving others and empowering so many to change their lives for the better is truly inspirational. Whether we
are in the jungles of Panama or at a city park in Richmond, the smiles never go out of style.
Our mission has always been to serve others through the game of baseball but it has turned into so much
more. Just this year alone we have served so many kids in so many different communities around the world,
donated more than $200,000 in equipment and renovated several baseball fields. In addition, we sponsored
six international students for our summer collegiate teams and four of which are continuing their high school
and college educations in the United States. We are so excited to have been featured in Dream Media’s
documentary film “The Park,” as well as a spotlight commercial with National Rental Car aired on CNN.
Next year we plan to have even more Community Outreach Days and Immersion Projects in our current and
new communities. It seems on a weekly basis someone new reaches out to us, I encourage everyone to
continue sharing these amazing stories so that we may grow in our level of service in the year to come. As we
travel the globe in 2017, rest assured our efforts will be intensely focused on helping others gain invaluable
life experiences while shaping future leaders. If you have a desire to be involved as a sponsor or volunteer
don’t wait, because now is the time. It truly is “More Than A Game!”
Tim Fanning
President
www.morethanagameus.com
More Than A Game is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that uses baseball as a vehicle to empower and influence for change.
Federal Tax ID # 27-2164949.