For years a local man spent his time and energy teaching, coaching and guiding young men on the ballfield at Tampa Catholic and University of Tampa. He traded in his glove and whistle years ago but he didn’t give up the love of the game or the love of teaching. He turned his attention to the children in the Tampa Bay area to teach, help & grow. He is all about impacting lives.
We are talking about Peter J. Mulry. He has one of the winningest records in Tampa Bay history. This coming January he’s looking forward to the 20th anniversary of his Peter J. Mulry Foundation, Stars of the Future – Life Skills through Sports Clinic. Each year he gathers top MLB players plus softball and soccer players too as he plans and invites Tampa Bay Kids to come out and take part. He’s taught about life skills lessons that go way beyond the baseball diamond and softball field,
The coach has a book series that talks about teamwork, responsibility, hard work, commitment, and accountability to name a few. The “Threads and Friends” book series teaches these lessons in a way kids can learn and grow. It truly is something that people of any age can be reminded of at any time in their lives.
Each year the coach would assemble players and coaches to help teach hundreds of kids who would gather for a free clinic on a Saturday in early January. Those very book lessons are at the core of his clinics. This year they will do the clinic virtually. A panel of notable sports figures will take part in lessons and interactive conversation to help engage with the kids for important life skills takeaways. Participants include Clint Hurdle, a retired outfielder and manager; Mychal Givens, a Colorado Rockies Pitcher; Emily Glass, Education Coordinator with the Miami Marlins & Joe Caro, the Special Assignment Scout for the Miami Marlins – to name a few.
Mulry says over the years they have impacted 10,000 lives and the foundation has raised $150,000 that they’ve given out in scholarship money. This goes a long way to the kids who need guidance, some food for thought and ideas for their futures. You never know how one conversation or encounter can truly change someone’s life.
The Peter J. Mulry foundation board is made up of current and former players, participant family members and others who support Mulry’s philanthropic community give back.
In a recent planning meeting the passion, the purpose and the camaraderie of the members in attendance was palpable. They all know the possibilities and the impact of helping and changing lives one child at a time.
Save the date for the 20th anniversary event. It will be held on January 9 at 9 AM. It will be a Facebook LIVE presentation on the Peter J Mulry Foundation Facebook page. All are welcome for this free event. Parents and kids alike will have unique and important takeaways.
As the community gathers to learn and help, this will undoubtedly be a very nice part of the Mulry legacy.