In March 2013, The Drayton Florence Foundation teamed up with the MLK T-ball league in Ocala, Florida to help launch a six-week program to encourage children ages 4-7 to be active and learn the fundamentals of baseball.  In Spring 2012, Drayton was informed of the need for a T-ball league in Ocala. Without hesitation Drayton agreed to help by providing the uniforms for all 53 children who participated in the launch of the league. The league provides the children with the fundamentals of baseball and gives them an opportunity to learn goal setting and personal achievement.

The league warranted community and family involvement, as 6 T-ball teams were formed under the direction of Mr. Ire Bethea, division head of recreation in Ocala.  Mr. Bethea shared that the league has proven to be a “beautiful, familly oriented affair”.  The installation of the league has encouraged racial and cultural boundaries to be diminished in the city of Ocala.  Bethea cite’s Drayton’s willingness to, “come back, give where he started and being a great role model for the kids” as the link needed to launch the league.

Bethea plans to start the program up again in Fall 2013.  His hope is that this league will continue to bring the community of Ocala together, and give children a positive outlet through the sport of baseball, which thrills Florence.

“I started my dreams of being a pro athlete at that field by watching my older cousins play baseball. I will do anything to give those kids an opportunity to play all sports”, said Florence.

As the MLK T-ball league prepares to continue to offer this opportunity to those within the community in Ocala, the hope is to keep the momentum going for a long time to come.