Our Story

Where It All Began

The Buddy Fund was formally established in 1962 by Buddy Blattner, a St. Louis native, a fixture in the history of sports. An avid athlete throughout his youth, Buddy’s professional career began before he graduated high school, when he was signed in 1938 to play baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. From there his sports career led him to play for the New York Giants and Philadelphia Phillies, then to announcing for the St. Louis Browns, the St. Louis Hawks, the California Angels, and the Kansas City Royals. It was during his time with the St. Louis Hawks that Buddy decided to auction off his own sports paraphernalia and memorabilia as a fundraiser to purchase new sports equipment for area youth. It is through The Buddy Fund that his legacy of contributing to St. Louis sports continues.

Buddy-Blattner-Founder-1920-2009

FOUNDER
Buddy Blattner
(1920-2009)

Since 1962, cumulative efforts by The Buddy Fund have

helped over 450,000 youngsters

and provided more than $3,800,000 in sports equipment.

How Can You Help?