Two Fort Frances schools are helping their students learn baseball.

Robert Moore and J.W. Walker Schools are using support from the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jays Care Foundation to run programs for various age groups.

Robert Moore was first designated a Jays Care affiliated school in 2024, receiving equipment and other support to run after-school programs.

Outreach Youth Worker Rebecca Tolen says it is bringing the sport to young people where it is not easily accessible.

“Which is almost any kid in Fort Frances because there isn’t a baseball league anymore for the kids unless they can go across the river or to Emo,” says Tolen.

“So this is giving them the opportunity to play, to learn the skills, to be part of a team.”

J.W. Walker School was accepted by the Jays Care program this year and drew almost 100 students.

“We have 53 students here today. I think we had about 40 at the Girls at Bat, and the kids just love playing baseball,” says Kirk.

“We started after March break indoors until the snow melted. That was a good way for us to kind of build our skills and get used to which way to run on the bases and where to go and all that. The students then brought it outside, and they love it. We love it.”

Students from J.W. Walker School take part in baseball tournament at St. Francis Fields in Fort Frances, June 4, 2025. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

The participation allowed the two schools to stage season-ending tournaments for students involved in the Girls at Bat and RBI (formerly Rookie) programs.

Extra funding from the Jays Care Foundation and New Gold helped with the costs.

Educators are pleased with how far the students have come since the first days.

“Last year we started, nobody could really catch the ball. They were barely throwing. Now, almost all of them can hit. They can all throw overhand. They’re all catching well. It’s been a lot of fun,” says Tolen.

“Definitely lots of growth and skills,” adds Kirk.

“Students who were unsure of how to play baseball altogether learned how to throw and catch, learned the plays of the game and what they need to do and how to hit. It’s been really successful.”

Tolen and Kirk hope other schools take part, and the programs possibly leading to a volunteer-run youth baseball program in the community.

Girls from Robert Moore and J.W. Schools who participated in a baseball tournament at St. Francis Fields in Fort Frances, May 25, 2025. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting