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.
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2. Living Out The Yard Charities’ Mission
-Nominee exemplifies the mission of developing “Major League Citizens”
through character, teamwork, leadership, and community-mindedness.
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3. Leadership & Sportsmanship
-Nominee demonstrates integrity, respect, and a positive attitude in their
role; whether mentoring athletes, leading a team, or inspiring peers.
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4. Community & Legacy Impact
-Nominee makes a difference beyond The Yard by volunteering, mentoring,
giving back, or inspiring others through their words and actions.
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5. Personal Growth & Perseverance
-Nominee shows resilience, commitment, and growth through challenges,
modeling the discipline and perseverance that sports instill.
Nominee 1
Chad Eilert
My journey with The Yard began when my middle daughter joined the now 16U Salina Braves. Over the years, I’ve watched The Yard grow into a thriving space where athletes of all ages, backgrounds, and families come together to develop their skills and passion for the game. Today, I use the facility regularly with my own softball team for practices, individual workouts with my daughters, and training sessions with the excellent staff. Coaching my 13U softball team of ten incredible girls has been one of my greatest joys. I’ve grown as a coach by applying techniques and leadership lessons I’ve learned from The Yard’s trainers and community. Through coaching, I’ve come to see leadership as less about doing everything myself and more about empowering players to take ownership of their growth. My goal is to create an environment built on trust, confidence, and teamwork, where every athlete believes in herself and her teammates. Softball has taught me to view challenges as opportunities and to celebrate progress, no matter how small. It continues to remind me that sports shape character, build community, and teach lessons that extend far beyond the field. Being part of The Yard has also connected me with an incredible network of coaches, trainers, and athletes a camaraderie I deeply value. To me, being a Major League Citizen means giving back, supporting others, and carrying the values of teamwork, respect, and responsibility into everyday life.
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- Chad Eilert
Nominee 2
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.
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- Ray Perez
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