When most people think of baseball, they immediately associate it with America, but my experience in Argentina has shattered that stereotype. As a lifelong lover of the sport, I was thrilled to witness young Argentines embracing baseball with the same passion I’ve always had. It was a truly special experience, and I couldn’t help but think: this is the kind of work that needs to be expanded worldwide. Huge thanks to United Through Sport for making this possible!
Baseball in Argentina: A Growing Passion
Baseball has been steadily gaining popularity in Argentina over the past few years, thanks in part to cable and satellite TV bringing Major League Baseball (MLB) right into people’s homes. With the game now accessible to many through broadcasts, baseball has carved a niche for itself in the Argentine sports landscape. More and more Argentines, especially the younger generation, have started following MLB teams and players, eager to replicate what they see in the streets and parks.
In fact, baseball is becoming so popular that many kids have started playing the game in their neighborhoods, using broom handles as makeshift bats and whatever they can find as bases. The excitement is palpable, but there’s a significant gap between the growing interest and the resources available to support it.
The Challenges: Equipment and Coaching
Despite the rising interest in baseball, the infrastructure in Argentina hasn’t kept up with the demand. There simply aren’t enough baseball fields, quality equipment, or qualified coaches to cater to the growing number of kids who want to play. And that’s where your role as a volunteer comes in.
As part of the Baseball Volunteer Placement, you’ll be able to provide the children with much-needed resources, such as bats, balls, gloves, and bases. But it doesn’t stop there — you’ll also play a vital role in providing structured coaching, teaching the fundamentals of the game, and running competitive matches.
Your Baseball Volunteer Placement
During your time volunteering in Buenos Aires, you’ll be working with Las Aguilas (The Eagles), a community baseball team founded by an American coach. The program was created to offer children in a disadvantaged neighborhood a better future through the lessons learned from baseball. It’s not just about sport — it’s about life skills, discipline, teamwork, and making positive choices.
Every afternoon, around 40 kids from different backgrounds and age groups gather to train and compete. The program has grown over time, and now there’s a real need for additional support to accommodate the increasing number of children wanting to join. As a volunteer coach, you’ll help manage this growth and provide coaching to kids aged 8 to 17.
You’ll be working alongside local and international coaches, leading fun and engaging sessions focused on individual skills like throwing, catching, and batting. This isn’t just about baseball — it’s about creating an environment where these kids can thrive.
The Role: Coaching and Community
As a volunteer baseball coach, you don’t need formal coaching qualifications. A basic knowledge of the game and some playing experience is all that’s required. Whether you played in school, university, or at a local club, your experience is what matters most.
You’ll teach drills and techniques that many of these kids have never been exposed to before. As you introduce them to new aspects of the game, you’ll also notice how eager they are to learn English, especially when it relates to baseball. The kids are excited to ask questions, such as how to say baseball terms in English. This presents a unique opportunity to help them with their English homework before training sessions — creating a holistic learning experience both on and off the field.
Beyond baseball, the sense of friendship within the team is one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. As you work together, you’ll quickly become an integral part of their community, sharing your knowledge of the game while forging lasting bonds.
Training and Matches: A True Baseball Experience
Baseball training in Argentina begins in February, with competitive games running from March to mid-December (with a break in July). You’ll be coaching regularly at the Villa Carlos Gardel baseball fields, but you’ll also have the chance to join training sessions at a high-standard baseball club, where the competition is fierce, and the skills are advanced.
Matches take place on weekends, either on Saturdays or Sundays, offering a great opportunity to experience the excitement of competitive baseball in Argentina. Plus, as you share your love for the sport with the locals, you’ll make unforgettable friends and immerse yourself in the unique Argentine culture.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
This is more than just a coaching placement — it’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in South American culture while doing something meaningful. By helping the next generation of baseball players in Argentina, you’re not just teaching them the game; you’re giving them life skills that will stay with them long after they leave the field.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing baseball in a new and exciting context while making a lasting impact, this is the perfect opportunity. Join us and be part of something truly special in Argentina!