A Game of Constants
There are constants—things that remain in our lives even when everything around us changes. They're certainties. Comforts we've come to know because they've been there through it all… and always will be. Baseball is one of those constants, and that's one of the many reasons Gallagher has stayed connected to the game for more than 90 years.
Arthur J. Gallagher played at Hamilton Park in 1914 and worked at Weeghman Park (now known as Wrigley Field).
Maybe it's the crack of the bat or the roar of the crowd. Maybe it's the freshly cut grass, the clouds of dirt, the hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jack. Whatever it is, the colorful canvas of baseball has been a part of the American story for over 175 years, especially during times of national difficulty.
Through war, baseball has boosted morale and has even sent some of its greatest players off to fight. It has endured through the struggles of depressions. Through civil unrest, it has served as an example of what we once were and what we still can become. And more than once, it has persevered through the pain and loss of a global pandemic.
Part of the Community
But at its best, through every challenge, baseball is always more than a game played by big league heroes. From fans in the upper decks of major league stadiums to Little Leaguers on old pine benches in parks down the street, baseball remains a part of communities across the country and around the world. Gallagher stays committed to those same communities through our partnerships with MLB teams who share our values and our belief in giving back to the places we call home.
"Baseball is a multigenerational sport and very family oriented," says Twila Carter, executive director of the Astros Foundation and senior vice president of Community Affairs. "Baseball brings people together—of all ages, all backgrounds—and welcomes people from all around the globe." That sense of family and welcoming extends beyond the playing field with charity efforts from the Astros Foundation Volunteer Corps presented by Gallagher, which seeks to harness the passion of baseball fans to enrich the Greater Houston area.
"We've seen history unfold in baseball," Carter says, "especially as it relates to opportunity. It's a classroom, not only teaching skills of the sport, but also character-building fundamentals for life."
Those life fundamentals—strength, positivity, confidence—connect Gallagher to the cities where we share our major league partnerships. In these communities, and in every community where it is played, baseball continues to be a source of inspiration. From the game itself to team-sponsored events that make a positive impact on people in the community, baseball is always there lifting us up when we need it most.
"Baseball has been America's pastime since its inception," says Padres CEO Erik Greupner. "It has also been at the forefront of societal change, helping Americans through tough times. In San Diego, Petco Park has become the gathering place for our community. It has transformed and renewed downtown San Diego, and created a Ballpark District where families and friends gather together and enjoy the beauty of America's Finest City and the great game of baseball."
Maybe that's why baseball has remained a constant part of the American landscape for so many years: It provides a place for us to come together. It's a place for us to play, a place for us to learn and a place to show we're there for one another. "Gallagher's shared values focus on people," Carter says, "which aligns with our focus on people, their impact and creating a stronger community."
Facing the Future Together
There's a healing effect that constants have on us through times of uncertainty. Even if it's been a long time since we've gotten out to our favorite ballpark. Even if we're only able to catch an inning or two on TV once in a while. Even if it's just having a catch in the backyard. Our constants—the people, places and events that keep us connected—are always there for us, waiting in one form or another, helping us face whatever the future throws our way next.
