In a remarkable move that promises to reshape the future of baseball in Baltimore, Ashref Elshazli and Ckori Jones of BroCAR Properties have acquired a 20,000 square-foot building in the Pigtown neighborhood of South Baltimore. This acquisition marks the beginning of an ambitious project known as The Diamond Collective, a hub that will not only nurture the city's baseball talent but also empower youth through educational and career development initiatives.

Unlocking the Potential of Baltimore's Baseball Community

A Passion for Baseball and Community

Elshazli and Jones, driven by their love for the game and a deep commitment to the community, have envisioned The Diamond Collective as a transformative space. The building, with its 16-foot clear ceiling height, will serve as a hub for a collective of nonprofits that aim to support Baltimore's baseball players, both on the field and in the classroom, as they navigate their future careers.

Expanding the Scope of Support

The Diamond Collective already boasts an impressive array of amenities, including six batting cages, two HitTrax units, pitchers' mounds, a turf multipurpose space, a stretching room, a dugout, and a coaches' office. However, the collective's ambitions extend far beyond these athletic facilities. Plans are underway to add a fitness center and additional recreation space, further enhancing the holistic development of the athletes.

Fostering Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship

Recognizing the importance of empowering youth beyond the baseball diamond, The Diamond Collective will also feature "The Lab" – a dedicated space for classrooms, study areas, and a boardroom. This area will focus on workforce development training, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills, providing the players with the tools they need to thrive in their future careers.

Honoring Baseball's Trailblazers

The Diamond Collective's commitment to the community extends beyond just providing state-of-the-art facilities. The building will feature a mural of Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in Major League Baseball, on the Ward Street facade, paying homage to the sport's pioneering figures.

Expanding the Reach of BUBA

The Diamond Collective is the new home of the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (BUBA), a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 by South Baltimore resident Andy Weltlinger. BUBA currently works with over 350 Baltimore City youth, and the acquisition of this building will allow the organization to expand its reach and impact.

A Collaborative Effort

The acquisition of the building was facilitated by Jim Chivers, the senior vice president of Gold and Company, who also assisted in the sale of the building in 2018 when it was used for back-office operations for the W.T. Littlepage Furniture Company. Chivers praised Elshazli and Jones, stating that they are the "perfect owners" for this building, which will play a crucial role in South Baltimore.

A Vision for the Future

Elshazli and Jones are determined to make a lasting impact on the community through The Diamond Collective. In the words of Elshazli, "Our goal is to provide a place for teams and individuals to develop their skills, as well as offer a space where the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance can take root and grow." With their resources, expertise, and unwavering passion for baseball and community development, the future of The Diamond Collective promises to be a game-changer for Baltimore's youth.