The James S. Kunzman Foundation (JSKF) gave $5,000 to Runyon Sports Complex in Pueblo, Colorado, in April 2026, at a baseball and softball clinic that drew more than 400 kids. The money will help the complex buy gear like catcher's equipment and bats, and some of it will be set aside for more free youth clinics, according to KOAA News 5.
Key takeaways:
- More than 400 kids attended a baseball and softball clinic at Runyon Sports Complex in Pueblo, Colorado.
- The CSU Pueblo baseball team taught the skills, ahead of the ThunderWolves' annual Pack the Park game.
- JSKF's $5,000 gift will go toward gear such as catcher's equipment and bats, plus more free youth clinics.
- Runyon's general manager says nearly 2,500 kids take part at the complex every week.
- It is JSKF's next gift after its first one to Belen Little League in New Mexico.
The clinic put more than 400 young players on the field at Runyon Sports Complex, where members of the CSU Pueblo baseball team taught them baseball and softball skills. It took place ahead of the ThunderWolves' annual Pack the Park game, and head coach Bobby Applegate called it a big-time event for his program, the community, and his players, according to KOAA. He said it was a chance to get younger kids excited about the game.
Runyon Sports Complex general manager Larry Romero told KOAA the donation will provide essential gear, including catcher's gear and bats, with wooden bats for the younger kids on the eight- and nine-year-old teams. He said the gear will be used for several years. Some of the money will also be set aside to help the complex run more free youth clinics.JSKF founder Sam Kunzman, who made the gift on the foundation's behalf, said the goal is to fund long-lasting items like bags, catcher's equipment, balls, and helmets that can be shared by many kids over time. KOAA also reports that Kunzman played baseball at Otero Junior College.
Playing ball is not cheap. Miles Gorham, a youth parent, told KOAA that families are "probably looking at $400 or $500 a child." Romero said nearly 2,500 kids take part at Runyon each week, and that it matters that kids stay connected to a sport. With that many players, replacing worn gear adds up fast, and a gift that lasts several seasons stretches a long way.
JSKF made its first gift on March 21, 2026, a $5,000 check to Belen Little League in New Mexico. Pueblo is in Colorado, which shows the foundation's mission is not limited to one state: keep kids playing, keep the game affordable, and bring communities together. Read how it started in New Foundation Launches with $5,000 Gift to Belen Little League and Why Belen? The Story Behind JSKF's First Gift.
KOAA News 5 covered the clinic and the donation. Watch the video above, or read the full story: Runyon Sports Complex receives $5,000 donation to help cover the rising costs of sports gear.
What did JSKF give to Runyon Sports Complex?
The James S. Kunzman Foundation gave $5,000 to Runyon Sports Complex in Pueblo, Colorado, in April 2026.
What is the donation for?
Youth baseball and softball gear, including catcher's equipment and bats, with wooden bats for the eight- and nine-year-old teams. Some of the money will also go toward more free youth clinics.
How many kids attended the clinic?
More than 400 kids attended the baseball and softball clinic, led by the CSU Pueblo baseball team.
What is Runyon Sports Complex?
Runyon Sports Complex is a youth sports complex in Pueblo, Colorado. Its general manager, Larry Romero, says nearly 2,500 kids take part there every week.
Who is Sam Kunzman?
Sam Kunzman is the founder of the James S. Kunzman Foundation. KOAA reports that he played baseball at Otero Junior College.
Where can I read more coverage?See KOAA News 5's story, "Runyon Sports Complex receives $5,000 donation to help cover the rising costs of sports gear."
Reporting: KOAA News 5 (Dante Williams, April 2026).
