The James S. Kunzman Foundation (JSKF) hosted its inaugural free baseball and softball camp for Albuquerque children on Saturday, July 25, 2026. About 100 campers from across the metro area took part, coached by baseball and softball staff from Atrisco Heritage, Albuquerque High, West Mesa, and Rio Grande high schools, according to KRQE News 13. The camp cost nothing to attend.
Key takeaways:
- JSKF's inaugural free camp took place on July 25, 2026, in Albuquerque.
- About 100 campers from across the metro area attended.
- Coaches came from Atrisco Heritage, Albuquerque High, West Mesa, and Rio Grande high schools.
- Organizers say the camp was about more than sports: confidence, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and character.
- JSKF hopes to bring similar camps to communities across New Mexico.
On a Saturday in July, local kids hit the field for a baseball and softball camp that didn't ask families for a dime. KRQE News 13 reported that about 100 campers came from across the Albuquerque metro area. Reducing financial barriers so more kids can play is the foundation's stated goal. Sam Kunzman created JSKF in honor of his late father.
Baseball and softball coaches from four Albuquerque high schools taught the camp: Atrisco Heritage, Albuquerque High, West Mesa, and Rio Grande.
Sam Kunzman, founder and president of JSKF, told KRQE: "I think that what we are really desperate for is something simple and good to believe in." He described sport as a way to bring people together.
Kunzman said the idea came out of a conversation with Ray Birmingham, a legendary New Mexico baseball coach, according to KRQE. They talked about a summer place where kids could learn the sports and also learn confidence, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and character. Birmingham, the former University of New Mexico baseball coach, advises JSKF and has been involved since its first gift to Belen Little League. Read the story in Why Belen? The Story Behind JSKF's First Gift.
JSKF hopes to bring similar camps to communities across New Mexico, KRQE reported. The foundation's gifts so far include $5,000 to Westgate Little League in Albuquerque, $5,000 to Belen Little League, and $5,000 to Runyon Sports Complex in Pueblo, Colorado.
What was the JSKF free baseball and softball camp?
A free camp for Albuquerque-area children, hosted by the James S. Kunzman Foundation on July 25, 2026.
How many kids attended?
About 100 campers from across the Albuquerque metro area, according to KRQE News 13.
Who coached the camp?
Baseball and softball coaches from Atrisco Heritage, Albuquerque High, West Mesa, and Rio Grande high schools.
How much did the camp cost?
Nothing. The camp was free for families.
Will JSKF host more camps?
JSKF hopes to bring similar camps to communities across New Mexico, according to KRQE.
Reporting: KRQE News 13 (Fallon Fischer, July 2026).
