DES MOINES, Iowa — A local baseball team is making sure no one gets left out in stepping up to bat, with the help of two Des Moines bands.
When you step up to bat at the field where the Iowa Young Guns play in Des Moines, and you can feel the 10-year-olds love for the sport.
“It’s my life,” a Young Guns player told Local 5.
Each player has their favorite part of the game, from pitching, catching, to hitting dingers.
“It’s just fun!” The players all agree.
Baseball is a sport that shows these boys big life lessons, like working together. That's why their parents are all in.
“Yeah, we're all family out here,” said parent Ariel Waterson.
Whether they win or lose, the Young Guns grow as a team.
“A lot of these boys have been together since they were younger, too," said parent Alyssa Waychoff. "And so doing something like this so many years after is such a huge thing for us."
The Young Guns are led by Jacob Waychoff, or “Coach Jake” as he’s known. He started Young Guns about three years ago.
“They're almost like my own children,” Jacob said. “Now, I have like 22 kids! We live by baseball. We practice year round. You would think the kids would get sick of it, but they don't. They love it.”
However, the cost of baseball is a challenge. That’s why the parents here have decided no kid will be turned away.
“We've always been able to donate or help someone raise money so they can play baseball," Jacob adds.
They’ve expanded to two teams this year.
“If we can take them, we're absolutely going to do everything we can to take them if the team's full," Jacob said.
That’s where the bands the Punching Pandas and Mike Moody and the Outlaws step up to the plate with a fundraising concert.
“Even if we have kids that their parents can't afford the sport. . . we don't want anybody left out,” said bass player Joe Luna.
Both band members Luna and lead vocalist Cory Moody played baseball as kids. Now, their sons play on the Young Guns.
“I remember . . . all kinds of memories," Luna said. "And I wanted to do the same thing with my son."
Moody agrees. “You think of summertime, and immediately think of baseball, spending your time at with the I-Cubs or Little League," he said.
Putting on this collaboration for their kids is a no brainer.
“Any excuse to look like Superman and my kid,” Moody said.
The bands are putting on a show March 23 to make sure these kids can make their baseball dreams come true, and they hope this is just the beginning.
“Having a benefit like this put on is amazing," Jacob said. "And I just hope they go on to do something else positive after they leave baseball.”
The show will take place at the American Legion Post 731 (1511 S. Union St.) on Saturday. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., with the bands performing between 5-9 p.m.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. In addition to the concert, the event will feature food, a raffle and other fundraising activities. All donations will go towards expenses for the upcoming 2024 baseball season, including uniforms, practice facilities, tournament fees and more.