Jason Kidd Embraces Youth Baseball Just Like Girls Basketball with Mavs
Jason Kidd, the renowned Hall of Fame basketball player and current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, is venturing into youth baseball with a new initiative called JK Select Baseball. This program aims to develop young athletes across the country, drawing from his experiences in youth basketball.
Jason Kidd’s Transition from Basketball to Baseball
Over 30 years ago, Kidd had to choose basketball over baseball, eventually becoming a top draft pick in the NBA. Now, he is focused on fostering the same passion for baseball that has characterized his professional journey. His new initiative will begin in the Dallas area, with a vision for over 1,000 teams nationwide.
Goals of JK Select Baseball
- Investing in youth athletes
- Providing mentors, coaches, and teachers
- Developing a positive sports experience
Kidd aims to ensure these young athletes embody not only sports skills but also life lessons. “Our job is to invest in kids,” he stated, emphasizing the need for mentorship.
Inspired by Personal Experiences
The motivation behind JK Select Baseball partly stems from Kidd’s involvement in the youth baseball circuit, particularly following his son, Chance. Kidd previously launched a similar program for girls’ basketball, influenced by the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi. This basketball program has successfully produced 45 Division I athletes to date.
Program Structure
JK Select Baseball employs a three-tiered approach:
- Elite-level national teams for ages 14-17
- Regional Dallas-area teams in the same age range
- Licensing options for local youth baseball organizations
“We want to foster relationships because I didn’t know that when I was a kid,” Kidd added, highlighting the importance of teamwork and personal growth through sports.
Jason Kidd’s Baseball Background
Growing up in the Bay Area, Kidd was an Oakland Athletics fan during their peak years, watching iconic players like Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, and Mark McGwire. He fondly recalls participating in baseball activities with legendary manager Tony La Russa.
Coaching Transition and Future Aspirations
In his ongoing coaching career in basketball, Kidd has led the Mavericks to significant playoff runs, including a trip to the Western Conference finals and the NBA Finals. Currently, he is energized by coaching 19-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the recent draft.
Kidd sees JK Select Baseball as a gateway to a future beyond basketball. He aspires to expand this initiative into various sports, including volleyball, soccer, and lacrosse, believing in the potential of youth sports across the nation.
“If you give them a chance and believe in them, you’ll see a greater return,” Kidd remarked, expressing his commitment to youth development.
