08/18/2026
World Baseball Academy (WBA) is an Allen County nonprofit whose mission is to use baseball as a platform to exemplify excellence and leadership beyond the game. WBA serves over 9,500 boys and girls each year through programs and activities. Their vision is to develop leaders who positively impact our world.
"One of our deepest levels of impact occurs within our Core Program, which provides one-on-one mentoring opportunities for area youth," explained Caleb Kimmel, WBA CEO. Young people, in grades 6–12, who want to learn more about baseball and softball are paired with a knowledgeable instructor who cares about each student’s life beyond the game. These mentor instructors teach life lessons emphasizing WBA Core Character Traits.
One of our WBA mentees is a shining example of this vision in action. A sophomore in the Fort Wayne Community Schools system, he plays football and baseball. Now in his fifth year with the Core Program, he has transformed into a relational, thoughtful, and confident young leader. His academic dedication has soared. He ranks in the top 10% of his class, tackles Honors and AP courses, and he was recently named Marketing Student of the Year.
Beyond the classroom, he actively gives back to the community. He has volunteered over 140 hours during the past two years alone. His service spans WBA youth programs, the Boys & Girls Club, WBA adaptive camps, and two WBA international mission trips to the Dominican Republic. “The Core mentoring program means just as much to me as baseball itself! The way WBA has helped shape me to become a better person and baseball player at the same place is truly something special,” the student shared.
Thank you, World Baseball Academy, for the work you do to champion opportunities for our community's youth.
