THIS IS OUR Legacy!
Our founder, Frank Frangie, grew up in an era of baseball that included some of the baseball greats like Hank Aaron, Joe Morgan, Reggie Jackson, Willie Stargell, Rod Carew and many more. Back then, baseball was truly America's past-time with African American players representing over 25% of all major leaguers.
Today, African American representation in MLB is hovering around 7%. Efforts are being made by MLB, the MLBPA, and others to combat this decline, yet there is more work to be done. We believe our part in that work starts at the youth level, getting young people introduced and playing baseball within urban and underserved communities.
We exist to provide all youth the opportunity to learn and play the sport of baseball..For youth that desire more than just an introduction, we strive to offer additional opportunities for development, experience, and exposure as they mature into adulthood. We believe that through baseball we can teach youth many life lessons and skills that prepare them for life.
BASEBALL WAS, IS, AND Always
WILL BE, TO ME, THE BEST GAME IN THE WORLD.
- Babe Ruth -
Over 6,000 third grade students have attended our clinics and recieved a free baseball glove, thanks to our partnership with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) and top area coaches.
Through partnerships with the city of Jacksonville, corporate and private donations, we have been able to invest over $600,000 in field renovations and facility upgrades.
Partnerships with 14+ local parks/leagues to assist in creating a better league experience for participants.
BASEBALL LEAGUES
In partnership with youth athletic associations and local baseball/softball programs across Jacksonville, Walk Off organizes and operates leagues for over 1,000 youth year-round ages 4-18 years old. Leagues operate during Spring, Summer, and Fall.
YOUTH EVENTS
From our annual preseason High School Baseball Classic to other youth events, Walk Off creates memorable moments for players of all ages.
WOC SCOUT TEAM
Walk Off’s Scout Team is designed to give minority high school players the opportunity to showcase their skills through a series of summer tournaments in the southeast, with the hopes of getting players seen by college coaches and pro scouts.
IMPROVING FACILITIES
Walk Off is committed to helping youth baseball facilities improve. An important part of increasing participation is creating safe spaces to play. All youth deserve to play on a quality playing surface.
EQUIPMENT DONATIONS
Thanks to generous equipment donations, Walk Off has been able to repurpose used equipment and purchase new equipment to help youth organizations both here in Jacksonville and other parts of the world.
WHAT WE Offer!
MEET THE Team!
Frank Frangie
Founder of Walk Off Charities
Frank Frangie is an American sports announcer who works as an afternoon drive talk show host on 1010XL/92.5 FM radio stations in Jacksonville, FL. He is the radio play-by-play voice of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL football team. Frangie is originally from Jacksonville, attended Englewood High School and later the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in Journalism and Communications in 1980.
He began his sports media career as a part-time sportswriter for the Florida Times-Union/Jacksonville
Journal upon graduation from college and became a full-time sportswriter with the paper in 1985. He was a sportswriter, covering high schools, then major colleges, then finally the University of Florida. He also wrote columns for the afternoon editions of the paper. He remained with the paper until March,1993.
Kenedy Talley
Marketing Manager
Kenedy serves as the Marketing Manager for Walk Off Charities. In her role, she helps with the creative ideas to market and promote events, programs, and fundraisers. She helps with creative for social media and helps in organizing and executing our school clinic program.
As a Jacksonville native, Kenedy attended high school locally and the University of North Florida, where she received a B.S. in Sport Management. She served as President of her sorority for two years, and then went on to travel the country as a Leadership Consultant for the International Office. Kenedy also has experience working with the City of Jacksonville’s Office of Sports and Entertainment and JAXSPORTS Council on events such as USA Curling National Championships, Navy vs. Notre Dame Football game, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Pop Warner, and the Little Gator Bowl.
Jarrod Simmons
Executive Director
Jarrod Simmons serves as the Executive Director of Walk Off Charites. In his role, he leads the mission and vision of the charity, from programs and events, to fundraising and development. Jarrod oversees all marketing, communications, media, operations, partnerships, and more. Growing the game of baseball with youth is a passion and life mission for him.
A Jacksonville native (Arlington) and Terry Parker baseball alumni, Jarrod played four years of college baseball, two at College of Central Florida (current JUCO World Series Champion) and two at Flagler College. Graduating with honors and a Sport Management bachelor’s degree, Jarrod worked ten years in professional baseball, three years under Peter Bragan Jr. with the Jacksonville Suns and seven years with the Atlanta Braves. With the Braves, Jarrod created their Growing the Game platform, helping youth to learn and play the game across the Southeast.
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Donna Murphy
Operations Manager
Donna Murphy moved to Jacksonville in 2006 from Rhode Island by way of the Navy. Her husband is a retired veteran of 25 years. Donna’s passion for sports has always been in her life while her dad coached baseball growing up and has his number retired at Spruce Creek HS. She most recently was a part of Helmets & Heels on 1010 XL for 9 years. Donna has 2 young kids: JT and Summer.