Atlanta, GA – July 14, 2025, MLB All-Star Week: I was on hand at Benjamin E. Mays High School to witness the Players Alliance (TPA) launch a brand new community service initiative, Cross Checkers.
Founding TPA Board Members Edwin Jackson and Curtis Granderson led a large gathering of active and former professional players who guided youth players, ages 6-17, through educational baseball drills on pitching, catching, hitting, infield, and outfield.
The unique element of Cross Checkers is that current and former players not only guided the youth players but also provided information and instruction to their coaches in an intimate setting. The TPA had over 20 current and former professional players in attendance on a hot and hazy morning. Dee Strange-Gordon, Daryl Boston, Marvin Freeman, Fred Lewis, Nook Logan, Pokey Reese, Gerald Young, Nick Heath, and Trenidad Hubbard, to name just a few players on hand.
It’s always an honor to take my camera to these types of community service projects, from the Level Up Lab to Community Catch to Flyball Jubilee, the TPA is making an impact all across the country. I would argue that most of the work by the Players Alliance goes unnoticed, mainly with very little fanfare. And that is by design. These players are about doing the work. They conduct these projects all over the country throughout the year—a special recognition to Ellison Hana for his efforts in overseeing the operation and instruction for the day.
Behind the Curtain is a series of candid photos, mostly taken on instant Polaroid film (although not these specific photos), from Cheats’ collection. These series go beyond just photos. The intimate look is built on trust, relationship, and genuine partnership.
Pokey Reese
Daryl Boston
Fred Lewis
TPA Founding Board Member Edwin Jackson
Dee Strange-Gordon
Christian Sepulveda
The Players Alliance Cross Checkers, ATL, GA
The Players Alliance
