About RBI
Born in Houston. Built for Houston's Kids.
Recycled Baseball Items, Inc. started with a simple belief: no child should sit on the sidelines because their family can't afford a glove.
Our story
From a garage to a movement.
Recycled Baseball Items, Inc. was founded in Houston, Texas by a group of coaches, parents, and community members who kept seeing the same thing: talented kids dropping out of youth sports because their families couldn't afford the gear. A baseball glove. A pair of cleats. A helmet. Small things that made the difference between playing and watching from the fence.
What started as a collection drive out of a single garage quickly grew into something bigger. Word spread through neighborhood leagues, school coaches, and local churches. Donations poured in. Volunteers showed up. And kids who had never owned their own glove stepped onto the field for the first time.
Today, RBI serves youth programs across the greater Houston area — redistributing baseball, softball, basketball, football, and soccer gear to underfunded leagues, community centers, and families who need it most. Every piece of gear we collect gets a second life, and every child we serve gets a fair shot at the game.
What we believe
The values that guide everything we do.
Every Kid Deserves to Play
Access to sports shouldn't depend on a family's income. We work to remove the financial barrier so every child in Houston can participate.
Community Over Everything
RBI is powered by volunteers, coaches, donors, and neighbors who believe in showing up for each other. This is a Houston story.
Nothing Goes to Waste
Usable gear belongs on the field, not in a landfill. We inspect, clean, and redistribute every item we collect — honoring both the donor and the recipient.
Gratitude in Every Action
We are grateful for every donation, every volunteer hour, and every dollar. That gratitude shows up in how we treat the families and programs we serve.
Board of Directors
The people behind RBI.
RBI is governed by a dedicated board of volunteers who give their time because they believe in the mission.
William B. Underwood, III
Director
William B. Underwood, IV
Director
Loren Lauver
Director
John Easton
Director
Cynthia Carrico
Executive Assistant
In the community
RBI in action.
Nonprofit credentials
Transparent, accountable, and community-trusted.
RBI is committed to full financial transparency. Annual reports and financial statements are available upon request.
IRS Status
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization
EIN
Available upon request
Founded
Houston, Texas
Donations
Tax-deductible to the full extent of the law