Just in time for the holiday season, the Chesapeake Baysox are eager to relaunch a beloved community initiative – Louie’s Holiday Hope Project – to support families across the Greater Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area during the winter months.
Louie’s Holiday Hope Project was originally started in 2007. It has helped dozens of area families and brought joy to more than 500 local children over the years. After a brief hiatus, the Baysox are bringing the program back, refreshed and reimagined for 2025, to spread cheer and give back to the community.
“With the ongoing government shutdown affecting so many households across our region, we know that this holiday season may be especially difficult for families,” said Brian Shallcross, general manager of the Chesapeake Baysox. “Louie’s Holiday Hope Project represents the best of our community —compassion, generosity, and connection. We’re honored to play a small part in bringing some relief and joy to those who need it most.”
All throughout December, Louie the Baysox mascot will join Baysox staff and community partner, Cresthill Church, to deliver gifts and essential items to families in need. They hope their efforts, combined with those of the community, can help spread smiles and holiday cheer across the region.
The Baysox invite fans and community members to support Louie’s Holiday Hope Project in two ways:
- Monetary Donations: Money will be used to buy gifts and necessities for local families. Donations can be dropped off at Prince George’s Stadium during regular business hours until Wednesday, Dec. 10. Regular business hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Warm Clothing Drive: People can drop off new socks, gently used winter coats, and other warm clothing at the stadium to help families stay warm this winter.
To thank all who contribute to Louie’s Holiday Hope Project, all donors will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win one of three prizes:
- A private, air-conditioned suite for a 2026 Baysox home game
- The opportunity to throw the first pitch during the 2026 Baysox season
- A mystery signed baseball from a Baysox player
Community members are invited and encouraged to nominate families in need of assistance by completing this form. All submissions must be received by Friday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.
The Chesapeake Baysox are the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. They compete in the MiLB Eastern League, playing their home games at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, Maryland. Tickets for the 2026 Baysox season are on sale now.
