Gathering families is what we do!
NYO Baseball
The Start Of Something Beautiful
For over 50 years, NYO (Northside Youth Organization) baseball has been a staple in the North Atlanta community. The baseball program serves nearly 1,500 players from ages four to fourteen separated into twelve leagues. In conjunction with NYO’s mission, the baseball program emphasizes character development, sportsmanship, healthy competition, and positive coaching.
Bob Blackwell
A Living Legend!
While the main NYO baseball complex is located in the heart of Chastain Park in Buckhead, the very first NYO ball field was here at St John. At the time, NYO was primarily known for its football program. In 1951, St John member, Bob Blackwell, created a football team of thirteen young boys from North Atlanta. This small football squad, called the Red Devils, would evolve into one of the largest, intra-park football programs in the entire country. Later, in 1952, Cal Thomas founded Buckhead Baseball, and asked Bob and 3 others to be co-founders and the first coaches of the league. As with football, Bob was a successful coach and motivator of young men. His team won the the Little League District and State tournaments in 1959.
These Kids Rock!
The St. John NYO baseball field is at the back of the church property. Enter the church property through the main entrance, and as you proceed through the church parking lot, you will see the baseball field ahead and to the left behind the church daycare center, before the driveway curves to the left.
Be careful where you park! Foul balls have been known to land in the parking area of the baseball field.