Originally published August 3, 2011 at 5:12 PM | Page modified August 3, 2011 at 9:13 PM

'Ballpark' Boys' home from 54-day tour

They called themselves the "Ballpark Boys," four 18-year-olds from Queen Anne who Wednesday returned from a 54-day, 15,682-mile fundraising trip in a 1999 Volkswagen Eurovan that took them to 30 Major League ballparks.

By Seattle Times staff

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ERIKA SCHULTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Jack Wilson, from left, Travis Smith and Ruben Palmer, watch as Kellan Larson shakes hands with Edgar Martinez, with Kendal Young, on right, Wednesday at Safeco Field. Their group, called the "Seattle Ballpark Boys" returned to Seattle Wednesday morning after a 54-day road trip visiting 30 major league ballparks. The students were raising funds for The Martinez Foundation, and Martinez surprised them on the field.

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Great story about some impressive young men. (August 3, 2011, by Recall Mike McGinn) Read more

I was at the game yesterday and saw the presentation. Lots of cool pictures were also... (August 4, 2011, by Steve1388) Read more

Reminds me of the episode from the office. They hold a fun run to raise money. They... (August 4, 2011, by Rupert Fugerstone) Read more

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Just before the 12:40 p.m. start of the Seattle-Oakland game at Safeco Field, they presented Mariners legend Edgar Martinez with a mock-up check for $10,000 for the foundation bearing his and Holli Martinez's names.

Said Edgar Martinez, "It's pretty cool, kids that age planning this trip and going around the country."

The foundation helps minority students and grants scholarships to those pursuing teaching degrees.

The four youths — Kellan Larson, Travis Smith, Jack Wilson and Kendal Young — with the help of their parents, raised the money online and from friends and local businesses.

The total funds raised was around $23,000, with the trip costing about $13,000, Young said. In addition, the van cost nearly $14,000, he said, and will be sold to recoup that cost.