The First Base Foundation and California Warriors Baseball Program is a 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN #: 37-1499235). Our mission is to provide student athletes equal opportunity to pursue higher education and play college baseball regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. The First Base Foundation is dedicated to making travel baseball more affordable, transforming lives through positive mentorship, and combating inequality by providing a healthy space for student athletes of diverse backgrounds to interact with one another.
Our efforts truly make a difference. We train alumni to be future community leaders while developing important leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
When we reflect on what makes us our best, we begin with our community and the values we share. These values include respect, equality, inclusiveness, compassion, opportunity and giving back.
For us, it has always been about more than just baseball. It’s about creating hope by giving youth a vehicle and support system to transform their lives in a positive way. It’s about vision and believing that our impact truly makes a difference.
We built First Base Foundation as a family- mother and son. Every person who joins us becomes a part of our greater family.
Driven to make a difference in young people’s lives and create positive change in our community, the First Base Foundation (FBF) and the California Warriors Baseball Program, provide a pathway to play college baseball. FBF is a celebration of family values that fosters and embraces self-esteem, teamwork, positivity, evolution, accountability and respect.
A 2003 graduate of UC Berkeley, Assistant Coach Noah Jackson serves as Cal’s recruiting coordinator and additionally works with the Bears’ hitters and outfielders. Following the 2019 season, Cal saw seven players selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft including first-round picks Andrew Vaughn (No. 3 overall, White Sox) and Korey Lee (No. 32 overall, Houston). In 2018, Jackson mentored Vaughn, who emerged as one of the nation’s top players and became the first Cal Baseball player ever to win the prestigious Golden Spikes Award as the country’s top amateur player. Noah’s experience on the field and working with student-athletes combined with Marilyn’s 18 years as the Executive Director of the First Base Foundation and decades as a successful small business owner makes for a winning combination.
We are influencers continuing to define Community in a larger sense where cultural differences intersect and work together. We are shaping our future leaders and are taking action to make a difference in the world.
a mother-son team
Executive Director, Marilyn Jackson with Founder Noah Jackson
Testimonials
Jackson Smith
California Warriors Alum & Tampa Bay Rays Scout
I met Noah Jackson in the summer of 2012, and ever since that day in Long Beach our bond and my love for him as a mentor, friend and brother has only grown deeper. What truly sets NJ apart from the rest is not his shoe game, quality banter or shared love for the game of baseball. It’s the passion he has for helping others achieve their goals and major milestones on and off the field. Noah is a go-getter and leader who knows how to set his sights high, with a clear vision and knack for execution. To put it simply the world is a better place with him in it. My grandma use to tell me “you are the sum of the people you keep in your circle”…and all I can say is my circle is better because I have you in it Noah.