ORLANDO, Fla -- The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) marked its 40th anniversary during its annual breakfast at the Winter Meetings this week.

“Today we're celebrating 40 years of this great organization … celebrating the history and basically promoting awareness of what we do so more people can apply for help and get the need they deserve,” said Erik Nielsen, who is the executive director of B.A.T.

B.A.T. began in 1986 with the mission of providing medical, financial, and psychological support to anyone in the baseball community, including players, coaches, umpires, and front office staff who may be facing hardship.

Started by former professional baseball players looking to aid their fellow former pros, the organization is supported by MLB and voluntary payroll deductions from activ

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