Thank you for your interest in becoming a Buddy for our Bambino Buddy-Ball athletes. The suggested age for our Buddies is 12 years or older* and a MARA member is a bonus but not a must!
Commitment:
Buddies are expected to attend all 8 sessions, as consistent participation is important for creating a great experience. While we understand that life happens, we ask that Buddies make every effort to attend each session and limit absences when possible.The program will consist of 6-8 Sundays (weather permitting).
When:
Season will start on February 22, 2026 and end no later than May 3, 2026. Each session will begin at 2:00 pm and last about 60-75 minutes. Buddies will assist with set-up and clean-up so it’s approximately a 1 1/2 to 2 hour commitment each Sunday. Arrival time is 1:45 pm. We will not meet on Easter Sunday.
Where:
MARA, Arthur Goodman Memorial Park, Field #2
Why:
Bambino Buddy-Ball aims to help our kids learn baseball skills and how to play the game while experiencing the thrill of team play and camaraderie. Becoming a Buddy is a great way to get involved in the community and it counts as community service hours for school or scout requirements (if needed).
Experience:
No experience is necessary. All you need is a positive attitude, a big smile and a little knowledge of baseball. We will provide the mandatory training prior to the start of the program for all volunteers. A volunteer t-shirt will also be provided for all Buddies.
NOTE: Registration does not automatically guarantee that you will be a buddy. It depends on the number of player participants that sign up. We will confirm your status in early February. We always need back-up Buddies as well! The number of sessions you can attend will get priority.
*For volunteers 18 years old and older a background check will need to be submitted. MARA covers the cost of this and a waiver code will be provided.
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REGISTER TO BE A BUDDY:
Log in to your account or your parents account at MARASports.org. If your parents or you do not have an account, you will need to set one up.
Go to "My Account"
Click on Volunteer in the left hand column
Click on Find Volunteer Roles
Click on View Division to the right of 2026 Bambino Buddy-Ball
Check the box Spring 2026 Bambino Buddy-Ball
At the bottom right click View Selected Opportunities
Under the 2026 Spring Bambino Buddy-Ball section click the Select button in blue
It will flip over and the account holder's name will be on the left side and then Sign up a new user on the right - select the one that represents you then click the blue Continue button at the bottom right
Fill out the registration questions, agree to the consent & waivers (including the background check - minors under 18 will not need one. If you are over 18 there will be a separate link at a later time.)
Click Continue
You should receive an email confirmation from the MARA system that your registration was submitted. **NOTE: Registration does not guarantee you will be a buddy. Official confirmation will come from Monique Brooks in an email from [email protected] in early February.
Our website can be temperamental at times. If you have issues trying to register, please send an email to [email protected] and someone will connect with you to help.
Bambino Buddy-Ball is a complimentary program offered to our families. However, MARA is a 501(c)3 and any contribution is graciously accepted.
If you would like to donate to our program, please click here. Please specify it is for Bambino Buddy-Ball!