Commerce Bank: Helping Kids Take the Field Campaign collects 5,000+ Pieces of Youth Baseball and Softball Equipment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Commerce Bank continued its decades-long support of Kansas City Royals baseball and more than a century and a half of backing the Kansas City community with "Commerce Bank: Helping Kids Take the Field." During this community collection drive, all 45 Commerce branches in the Kansas City and St. Joseph communities collected more than 5,000 pieces of baseball and softball equipment for young athletes in T-ball through High School from July 15 through September 30. Equipment collected in the Kansas City-area branches were donated to the Urban Youth Academy. Equipment collected in Commerce's three St. Joseph-area branches were donated to Pony Express Baseball, remaining in the St. Joseph community.

The drive kicked off with 2015 Royals World Series Champion, Three-time All Star, and Royals Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee Alex Gordon donating some of his own gently used equipment at the Commerce Bank Brookside branch on July 15.

Royals starting pitcher and rookie standout Noah Cameron supported the campaign in his hometown of St. Joseph, appearing at the Commerce Bank Ashland branch on August 14.

Commerce team members organized and cleaned more than 1,600 pieces of equipment that were donated before August 28 at Urban Youth Academy.

"For decades, Commerce Bank has stood proudly beside the Royals - not just as a partner in baseball, but as a champion for the Kansas City community," said Kevin Barth, chairman and CEO, Commerce Bank - Kansas City. "The incredible generosity shown during our 'Helping Kids Take the Field' campaign is a testament to what we can accomplish together. By equipping thousands of young athletes with the gear they need, we're not just supporting the game - we're investing in the dreams, confidence, and future of our youth across the region."

Pony Express Baseball is a 501(c)3 non-profit youth baseball league in St. Joseph that provides a place for healthy activity and training, dedicated to inspiring children to become good citizens. It teaches the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.

The Urban Youth Academy is a non-profit organization founded and operated by the Kansas City Royals that offers year-round programs for children between five and 18 years old from diverse communities. Since 2018, more than 60,000 children and their families have visited the Urban Youth Academy facility in Kansas City's historic 18th and Vine District, being empowered to be the leaders of tomorrow.