Our Story
From Seven Stolen Bases to Safer Fields
The Seventh Base Foundation is dedicated to improving the safety and quality of youth baseball and softball fields across the nation by providing new, breakaway bases to programs in need.
Founded on the belief that every child deserves a safe, well-maintained field, the foundation was inspired by the stark differences in field conditions observed during Little League® games throughout Los Angeles. Growing up playing Little League® in Santa Monica, California, I benefited from pristine fields and proper equipment—advantages not shared by every team. That disparity sparked a lifelong commitment to giving back to the sport and community that shaped my early years.
As my baseball career progressed through high school and into the NCAA Division III level, I became known for my speed on the bases. Along the way, I witnessed numerous injuries caused by worn, outdated, or unsafe bases—experiences that reinforced how essential proper equipment is to player safety. The Seventh Base Foundation was created to address this need and ensure that all young athletes have access to safe, reliable fields where they can play, grow, and enjoy the game they love.
The Seventh Base Foundation is the only nonprofit in the United States solely devoted to preventing injuries by funding safe, breakaway bases for youth baseball and softball programs nationwide. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends breakaway bases, which have been shown to reduce sliding injuries by up to 80%. Despite this, many leagues continue to use outdated bases simply because they cannot afford replacements.
Why “The Seventh Base”?
The name was inspired by one of my proudest achievements on the field—stealing seven bases in a single game. That performance set a conference record and remains the second-highest single-game total ever recorded by a NCAA Division III player. The name represents both that milestone and our mission: helping youth baseball and softball across the country ONE BASE AT A TIME.
Donation Goal
When people help people, change happens. What have you given today?
$200.000
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Zachary H. Ritts
Char/ Founder

Rory
Ritts
Chief Operations Officer

linda
Ritts
Secretary

Jon Dunn CPA
Audit & Finance Chair

Ethan
Katz
MLB Pitching Coach
Houston Astros

Brain
S. Hall
Rogers Base Company Managing Member/ Owner

Kirk
Goldstein
Senior Executive FOX Sports

Garret
Matsuura
ArcLight Media Founder & Executive Producer