In Harlem, New York, Youman Wilder has transformed the lives of over 400 African-American and Latino young men without recognition or funding. As the founder and president of the Harlem Baseball Hitting Academy Inc., he has built a legacy of discipline, mentorship, and academic success. Wilder, holding degrees in Psychology, Criminal Justice, and a Master’s in Law, has led the Academy to remarkable achievements.

 

Since its start, the Academy has produced 400 college graduates, including over 370 bachelor’s degrees, 10 MBAs, and three doctorates. 

Every youth who joined the program graduated college, with none lost to the streets of Harlem, the South Bronx, or Washington Heights. While baseball draws them in, education keeps them engaged.

 

Academy members have attended prestigious schools like Stanford, Tufts, Princeton, Penn, Morehouse, UCLA, Temple, South Carolina, Virginia, and Bucknell. Despite limited resources, Wilder and his athletes train in Harlem’s streets year-round, renting public spaces when needed to keep the mission alive.

 

A Brooklyn native and Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, Wilder made his mark in the 1980s alongside Shawon Dunston, the 1st overall draft pick. Despite minimal support, he has built a pipeline of success for young men from public housing, shelters, and single-parent homes.

 

The Academy’s success goes beyond academics, with members winning P.S.A.L., Catholic League, and Private School championships, as well as NCAA Division I National Championships. 

 

Alumni include a 2018 American League Championship MVP, a 2018 World Series winner, a 2016 MLB All-Star starter, 55 Perfect Game All-Americans, 25 Under Armour All-Americans, and 10 Aflac All-Americans.

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