Mental Health Awareness 7th Inning Stretch Unveiled at Sahlen Field

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Mental Health Awareness 7th Inning Stretch is officially on deck for Western New York.

On September 2, the Rayzors Foundation joined community partners at Sahlen Field to announce an ambitious new event. The goal is simple but important: use the power of baseball and softball to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support local mental health programs.

The inaugural Mental Health Awareness 7th Inning Stretch will take place August 14–21, 2027. For seven consecutive days, youth and adult baseball and softball players will take the field around the clock at Frontier High School in Hamburg.

Most importantly, every inning will represent something bigger than the final score.

The event will bring athletes, families, businesses, mental health organizations and community members together around one message: You’re Not Alone.

Putting Mental Health in the Spotlight — One Inning at a Time

The Rayzors Foundation created the 7th Inning Stretch to help make conversations about mental health part of everyday life. Sports can bring people together in ways few other activities can. Therefore, baseball and softball provide a powerful platform to reach people of all ages.

During the Sahlen Field announcement, Rayzors Foundation co-founder Jeffrey Walker emphasized the need to support young people and families who may be struggling with mental health concerns.

The Foundation hopes professional and amateur sports can help open the door to more conversations about mental health. In addition, the event will connect people with local resources and organizations that can provide support.

That mission extends beyond simply raising money. The Foundation wants people to feel more comfortable talking about mental health, asking for help and supporting others.

Because stigma can prevent people from reaching out, starting those conversations matters.

Seven Days of Baseball and Softball for a Purpose

The Mental Health Awareness 7th Inning Stretch will run 24 hours a day for seven consecutive days. Games will take place from August 14 through August 21, 2027.

The event will feature baseball and softball divisions for players of different ages and skill levels. Youth divisions will include 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U. Adult divisions will include Men’s, Women’s and Co-Ed teams.

However, the competition is only one part of the experience.

Throughout the week, organizers plan to highlight mental health education, community resources and opportunities to support local programs. As a result, participants and spectators will have opportunities to learn where help is available throughout Western New York.

Then, on August 21, the event will move to one of Buffalo’s most recognizable sports venues.

Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, will host the finale, including final games and a Home Run Derby.

Buffalo Bisons Join the Effort

The support of the Buffalo Bisons gives the initiative an important community partner and a much larger platform.

Buffalo Bisons General Manager Mike Buczkowski joined the Rayzors Foundation announcement at Sahlen Field. He discussed the opportunity for the organization to help bring attention to mental health resources and raise funds for programs serving Western New York.

That partnership can help the 7th Inning Stretch reach thousands of people who may never attend a traditional mental health event.

Furthermore, sports create natural opportunities for families, teammates, coaches and friends to connect. Those relationships can become an important starting point for conversations about mental wellness.

The Rayzors Foundation also thanks Frontier Central Schools for partnering with the organization and providing an important home for the weeklong event.

Keeping Mental Health Funding in Western New York

One of the most important elements of the 7th Inning Stretch is its local focus.

Funds raised through the event will remain in Western New York and help support mental health programs and resources in the community.

Organizations expected to participate or benefit include BryLin Hospital, Horizon Health Services, Mental Health Advocates of Western New York, the Children’s Psychiatry Clinic, Christian Counseling Ministries of Western New York and other local mental health and suicide prevention programs.

In addition, participating organizations will help connect athletes, families and spectators with information about available services.

Therefore, the event can make an impact in two ways. It can generate financial support for mental health programs while also helping people discover resources they may need today.

A Growing Mission for the Rayzors Foundation

Kimberly Steiner and Jeffrey Walker founded the Rayzors Foundation in 2023 with a mission to raise awareness and funding for mental health programs throughout Western New York.

Since then, the Foundation has worked to build partnerships with local behavioral health organizations, businesses and community leaders.

The 7th Inning Stretch represents the Foundation’s largest initiative to date.

However, its purpose remains rooted in the same idea that inspired the organization from the beginning: mental health matters, and no one should feel ashamed to ask for help.

By combining that message with one of America’s favorite pastimes, the Foundation hopes to create an event that grows year after year.

WKBW 7 News Highlights the 7th Inning Stretch

The announcement has already begun generating attention across Western New York.

WKBW 7 News covered the Sahlen Field announcement and highlighted the Foundation’s goal of using baseball and softball to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support mental health programs.

The television coverage also helped introduce the 2027 event to a much wider audience. Most importantly, it helped put mental health in the spotlight.

Watch the WKBW 7 News story about the Mental Health Awareness 7th Inning Stretch.

How You Can Get Involved

The first pitch may still be months away, but planning for August 2027 is already underway.

Teams, businesses, sponsors, volunteers and community members will all have opportunities to participate. Additional information about registration, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising and special events will be announced as the event approaches.

Visit 7thInningStretch.org for the latest information about the event.

You can also visit RayzorsFoundation.com to learn more about the Rayzors Foundation, its mission and its work supporting mental health programs across Western New York.

Let’s Strike Out Stigma… TOGETHER!

The Mental Health Awareness 7th Inning Stretch is about much more than baseball and softball.

It is about creating conversations, connecting people with resources, and supporting organizations that provide mental health care, education and advocacy throughout our community.

Most importantly, it is about reminding people that asking for help is a sign of strength and that nobody needs to face a mental health challenge alone.

From Frontier High School to Sahlen Field, Western New York will come together August 14–21, 2027, to play for a purpose.

Together, let’s put mental health in the spotlight — one inning at a time.

Let’s Strike Out Stigma… TOGETHER!

Learn More

7th Inning Stretch: www.7thinningstretch.org

Rayzors Foundation: www.RayzorsFoundation.com

WKBW 7 News Coverage: New Baseball, Softball Fundraiser Aims to Raise Mental Health Awareness in WNY