As part of Converge Media’s ever-expanding mission to uplift underrepresented communities, producer Mathew Bermudez took Back2Besa to a new frontier last year: Anchorage, Alaska. The Gamers Alaska program, led by founder Jamar Hill, celebrated the grand opening of a new indoor baseball and softball facility in Northeast Anchorage, offering the next generation of players a beacon of warmth and hope through the long Alaskan winters. 

Built to overcome the challenges of eight months of winter and significant geographical barriers, the facility is providing unprecedented access to the game for kids, especially those in economically disadvantaged areas of Northeast Anchorage. Where practicing the sport was once limited by weather and long travel times, this new space allows young athletes to train and play year-round directly in their community in the heart of the city’s Mountain View neighborhood. 

The facility was made possible with support from the Seattle Mariners and the Mariners Care Foundation, whose involvement in the RBI Alaska and PlayBall programs helps make year-round, indoor engagement sustainable for the community. 

Additionally, support from ConocoPhillips, The Municipality of Anchorage, Rasmuson Foundation, and Major League Baseball/Major League Baseball Players Association Youth Development Fund helped bring the facility to fruition. 

This story is a part of Converge Media’s upcoming documentary “Diamond Of Opportunity” about the Mariners Care Foundation set to release later this year.