Rick Zeitlin, DEAEF National Youth Baseball Program Director with students learning to play baseball at the Boys & Girls Club of Honolulu’s Spalding Clubhouse in Hawaii.
DEAEF Launches First Youth Baseball Program in Hawaii Through Its Partnership with DEA Los Angeles
The DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF) expanded its reach this spring with the launch of its first youth baseball program in Honolulu, Hawaii, bringing after-school athletics, mentorship, and positive life lessons to youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Honolulu’s Spalding Clubhouse. This program was made possible due to the support of the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division and their desire to reach Honolulu through their community outreach efforts in partnership with the DEAEF.
The one-week program served 37 students from Honolulu and Waikiki, many of whom had never played baseball before. Only two participants had previous experience through softball.
Students attended the program after their regular school day, where they were introduced to the fundamentals of baseball in a fun, supportive environment. The week was divided into two groups, with third and fourth graders participating during the first two days, followed by students in sixth through ninth grade for the final three days.
Led by Rick Zeitlin, DEAEF’s National Youth Baseball Program Director, the program focused on teaching the basics—from how to hold a bat and catch a baseball to learning positions, fielding ground balls, catching pop flies, and improving footwork through drills and friendly competitions.
“We tried to make it fun while teaching real skills,” Rick said. “By the end, everyone knew what to do.”
The final day for each group ended with a scrimmage. The younger students played without keeping score, while the older group held a boys-versus-girls game, with the girls taking the win.
“Can you come back next week and do this?”
Beyond baseball instruction, students also heard from DEA representatives during the week. DEA Community Outreach Specialist Ruth Morales visited the program and spoke with students about the effects of drugs and the impact substance misuse can have on individuals and communities. DEA agents from the DEA Honolulu office also spent time with the students, helping reinforce the Foundation’s mission of prevention and positive choices.
Rick said the staff at the Boys & Girls Club was incredibly supportive throughout the week, helping make the program a success. The club’s leadership was especially encouraged by how well the students responded to both the baseball instruction and the life lessons shared during the program.
One student summed it up best by asking, “Can you come back next week and do this?”
For Rick and the DEAEF, that question said everything.
Plans are already in discussion to return and continue building the program in Hawaii, creating even more opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and connect through sports.
Updated Aug 27, 2026
Partnerships, YBP