Major League Citizens
The life skills gained with top-tier coaching will benefit the whole community in a less obvious but equally important way. As we always say……"We may not be able to make every kid into a Major League ballplayer, but we will do everything possible to help them all become “Major League Citizens.” We know that you get it; the coaching on the ball diamond is about the game but even more about instilling perseverance, patience, teamwork, communication skills, focus, and discipline to our communities youth.
Each year we award our Major League Citizen
Major League Citizen Award Nomination Guidelines
Nominees are announced in the end of year newsletter and voting is the last
few weeks of the year via the website. Awardee is announced in January!
The Major League Citizen Award recognizes an individual who grew up
at The Yard and truly embodies the mission of The Yard Charities.
Nominees may be players, coaches, or trainers.
The Yard Charities board will evaluate nominations based on the following criteria:
1. Deep Connection to The Yard
-Nominee has been meaningfully involved at The Yard (as a player, coach,
or trainer) and reflects the values built through their experience here.
2. Living Out The Yard Charities’ Mission
-Nominee exemplifies the mission of developing “Major League Citizens”
through character, teamwork, leadership, and community-mindedness.
3. Leadership & Sportsmanship
-Nominee demonstrates integrity, respect, and a positive attitude in their
role; whether mentoring athletes, leading a team, or inspiring peers.
4. Community & Legacy Impact
-Nominee makes a difference beyond The Yard by volunteering, mentoring,
giving back, or inspiring others through their words and actions.
5. Personal Growth & Perseverance
-Nominee shows resilience, commitment, and growth through challenges,
modeling the discipline and perseverance that sports instill.
Meet Your 2026 Major League Citizen
2026 Major League Citizen
Ray Perez
Baseball was my first love. The feel of red dirt and the scent of freshly cut grass instantly take me back over 40 years. The game introduced me to people from all walks of life and taught me the value of community. As I grew older, I felt a responsibility to give back just as others once gave their time to me. Today, I continue that commitment by coaching and hosting events like the Wake & Rake Wood Bat Classic, which provides scholarships to deserving players across the region. I cherish my time on the diamond. It’s where I connect with my players, especially my sons. But baseball is more than a game it’s a powerful tool for teaching life. When coached with intention, it instills grit, accountability, empathy, competition, and self-awareness. In Salina, baseball means more than wins. While championships are exciting—we’ve earned two state titles, two state runner-up finishes, and helped guide six players to college programs—the real victory is knowing I’ve stood beside over 50 young athletes and helped shape them into respectful, driven young men. That’s the win that matters most.
The Yard is more than just a facility, it’s a unique place that has played a meaningful role in my journey as a coach. I’ve used its top-tier amenities to host practices, and I can confidently say they offer the finest setup in the area for youth, high school, and college teams. But what truly sets The Yard apart isn’t just what you see, it’s what you experience. Behind the scenes, the people at The Yard foster growth, collaboration, and community. They’ve helped me evolve as a coach, encouraging me to broaden my perspective and deepen my approach.
- Ray Perez
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