Love for the Game and Community
New Executive Director Aaron Dickson
One of Oregon’s most successful youth sports organizations, Friends of Baseball, has hired Aaron Dickson as its new Executive Director. Dickson takes over for fellow Portland State alum, Nova Newcomer. Dickson, a Portland native, has spent the last 12 years dedicated to impacting at-risk youth with Oregon’s largest African-American led non-profit, Self Enhancement Inc. His tenure as Leadership Program Manager delivered critical experience in building foundational programs and solidified his passion for community and mentorship.
Proud Grant High School alum, Dickson went on to receive his bachelor’s degree at Portland State University, where he thrived as a defensive back under then coach, Jerry Glanville. It’s no stretch to say he grew up in sports – his father also played football for PSU.
That background, including his own transition away from baseball, he says, shaped him into who he is today. “It’s a great honor to join the FOB family in service to the mission of enhancing children’s lives through baseball’s power to teach.” Dickson says, “Raised in a low income community, I have experienced first-hand how sports can empower kids of all skills and abilities. Providing opportunities to underserved communities is what I am most passionate about. Every insight I’ve shared with young people is reinforced in baseball. I look forward to further developing the programs and structures that lead to greater overall impact and growth of the organization.” Friends of Baseball was founded in 2005 by an Oregon father, son, and Board of Trustees, driven by their passion to give back to the community of youth baseball and softball that they love. Now an independent 501(c)(3) with programs extending across the state, the FOB team brings the game and its lessons to kids and coaches through Full Count summer camps, scholarships and equipment, skills clinics, one-on-one mentoring, team-based opportunities, and after-school programming.
Friends of Baseball will hold their 2023 Swing for the Fences Gala on March 2, 2023. For tickets, please visit: 2023 Gala Event Tickets