CLEVELAND, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thunder Baseball, a Cleveland-area 501(c)(3) youth baseball organization, has launched playcatcharoundtheworld.com. The interactive fundraising site invites people everywhere to join one continuous game of catch, with every throw helping the Thunder 12U team travel to Cooperstown, New York, the home of baseball.

Instead of a traditional raffle or bake sale, the campaign uses video submissions from supporters to build a never-ending chain of throws, built on the first skill every ballplayer learns: playing catch.

How the Platform Works

The concept relies on participation from family, friends and fans near and far:

• Simple Submissions: Participants record a video of 15 seconds or less of themselves catching a ball from the right and throwing it to the left.
• The Continuous Chain: The site plays the clips side by side in a seamless carousel. As one person throws the ball off the left edge of the screen, the next person catches it coming in from the right.
• Every Throw Counts: A suggested $5 donation accompanies each video, made through Thunder Baseball’s secure donation page.

A Game Anyone Can Play

The campaign is designed for anyone who has ever tossed a ball, regardless of age or ability. Players, parents, grandparents, coaches, alumni, local businesses and baseball fans in other states and countries are all invited to step in and keep the ball moving.

“I love this team,” said Coach Peter Chisholm, a Thunder Baseball coach and parent. “These kids show up every day with heart, and they pick each other up no matter the score. Coaching them alongside my son has been one of the best experiences of my life. Getting them to Cooperstown together would mean the world to all of us.”

The website is live and open to participants worldwide. Supporters are encouraged to record a clip, upload it at playcatcharoundtheworld.com, donate, and challenge friends and family to catch the next throw. Supporters can also challenge their favorite ball club or player to step in and join the game.

About Thunder Baseball

Thunder Baseball is a Cleveland-area 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth baseball organization dedicated to developing young players on and off the field. Funds raised through the Play Catch Around the World support the 12U team’s travel, lodging and tournament costs in Cooperstown. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Media Contact:

• Organization: Thunder Baseball
• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• Email: thunderbaseball216@gmail.com
• Website: playcatcharoundtheworld.com

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SOURCE Thunder Baseball