Emerald Diamond International was founded in 2006 by documentary filmmaker John Fitzgerald. The name "Emerald Diamond" is a reference to John’s documentary about baseball in Ireland.
Our original mission was to support the development of youth baseball programs in Ireland. Although our geographical footprint has grown to include other countries, our work in Ireland remains our central focus and a source of great pride for our team and our supporters.
EMERALD DIAMOND USA (2006-2011)
Fresh off the success of his award-winning documentary about baseball in Ireland, The Emerald Diamond, filmmaker John Fitzgerald wanted to do more to support baseball in Ireland.
"I spent most of 2006 showing the film in theaters across America," explains Fitzgerald. "These were one-night stands -- I would fly into a city, show the film, do a Q&A, and then head to the next city. Every night, people wanted to know how they could help support the cause. So, I decided to start a non-profit organization to faciliate that."
The organization was originally named "Emerald Diamond USA," a nod to the documentary's title and the fact that the base of support was coming from America.
In those early days, the support took the form of small donations of cash and used baseball equipment.
BASEBALL UNITED FOUNDATION (2011-2022)
In 2011, Emerald Diamond USA changed its name to Baseball United Foundation (BUF). The nearlame change was a reflection of Fitzgerald's intention to create similar opportunities to help youth baseball programs in other countries.
"We were still very small at that time," explains Fitzgerald. "But we had already learned so many things about how to raise money, how to ship equipment overseas, and just how we could make a positive impact for kids who play baseball. So, I got together with the board and some of our early supporters, and we agreed that the organization's name should reflect a broader focus."
Despite a broader international focus, BUF raised over $3,000 to assist early-stage funding for a field project in Ashbourne, County Meath. The field was eventually built and opened in 2015 as the Ashbourne International Baseball Centre.
Grand Slam for Sandy
In early 2013, BUF teamed up with Red Sox minor leaguer Jayson Hernandez and Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier to provide support for families in Monmouth County, NJ, who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The effort, dubbed "Grand Slam for Sandy," raised over $10,000 that went directly to relief efforts.
Teaming Up with Baseball Miracles
Later that year, BUF teamed up with Baseball Miracles to send 1,000 lbs of donated baseball equipment to Ireland.
In early 2014, BUF and Baseball Miracles sent coaches to Ireland to hold instructional baseball clinics in Limerick and Meath.
Baseball Exchange Initiative
During the summer of 2014, BUF launched the "Baseball Exchange" initiative. The program brought an Irish teenager to America, to participate in baseball camps, clinics, and games. The purpose of the program was to give players from Ireland more experience at a higher level of play.
Irish Junior National Baseball Team
In 2017, BUF started the first Irish Junior National Baseball Team. The team was assembled thanks to a massive recruiting effort that spanned Ireland, Canada, and America. Team Ireland brought home the gold medal at the 2018 Under-18 European Championship Qualifying Tournament in Zurich, Switzerland.
EMERALD DIAMOND INTERNATIONAL (2023)
By 2023, the organization had added several new programs in Ireland and America, as well as an international grant program. With an expanded reach, a growing base of supporters, and a committed group of volunteers, the decision was made to change the name, again.
"We needed a name that spoke to our original focus in Ireland and also made it clear that we were doing things in the US and internationally. It seemed like a good time to return to the Emerald Diamond."
