Renton-based Baden Sports is proving to be a team player during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company recently donated 15,000 protective face masks to local medical centers to help combat the spread of the coronavirus in Washington state, according to an April 20 news release.

The face masks will be given to local healthcare workers serving on the frontline of the pandemic at hospitals and long-term care facilities in King County, where the outbreak has been particularly severe, the company stated.

Family-owned Baden has operated in South King County for more than 40 years, designing and manufacturing high-quality athletic balls, bats, and backyard games.

But with social distancing replacing sports of all kind this spring, Baden began to look for other ways to support its community.

“Our purpose as a company is to create products and experiences that build healthy individuals and communities through sports,” said Jake Licht, CEO of Baden Sports. “But with sports on pause for now, we were eager to find another way to continue living our mission and supporting our community. This donation allows us to do that while also showing our gratitude to the men and women who are working so hard to keep our friends, families, and neighbors healthy.”

Baden leveraged its global supply chain to procure the face masks, which will be delivered to Highline Medical Center in Burien and Valley Medical Center in Renton, among other facilities nominated by its employees.

Licht said the donation is a start and that Baden will look at additional ways to contribute during the coming weeks based on need.

“We’re deeply grateful for our healthcare providers,” Licht said. “And we feel privileged to be in a position to help.”