Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is a youth program offering children ages 13-18, who live in disadvantaged areas, the opportunity to participate in organized baseball.
In 2009, Major League Baseball launched the Jr. RBI playing divisions of the RBI program to provide opportunities for young people ages 5 to 12 in underserved communities to play baseball and softball.
The Youth Baseball Clinic Series allowed Marlins coaches and players the opportunity to pass along their baseball knowledge to kids. In order to give children the experience of learning baseball from professionals, the Marlins conduct clinics on select Saturday mornings throughout the year. Marlins players and coaches teach the fundamentals of pitching, hitting and fielding.
Register for this month's clinics at: http://www.chevyyouthsports.com/rsvp/
The Marlins partner with Major League Baseball umpires to offer memorable baseball game experiences for children awaiting adoption and at-risk youth in mentoring programs. Children receive a VIP experience including great seats to see the Marlins at Marlins Park, a goody bag of 'all things baseball', and the unique opportunity to step onto the field for a souvenir baseball and photo. UMPS CARE Charities, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded by Major League Baseball umpires, created the BLUE Crew Tickets program to share the gift of baseball with children and strengthen relationships between children and the adults who aim to make a difference in their lives. More than 4,000 guests have participated in BLUE Crew Tickets since 2006. Learn more at www.UmpsCare.com.
Marlins fans, here is your chance to help make a difference in the South Florida Community! Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Emilio Bonifacio encourage Marlins fans to donate new and used baseball equipment to the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Youth Equipment Drive. All of the equipment that is collected will be distributed to kids who cannot afford to purchase their own baseball equipment throughout South Florida and the Dominican Republic.
Through Buses for Baseball, local inner-city youth groups are treated to a day at the ballpark. The program is a cooperative effort among the Players Trust for Children, the Marlins, and the local transit authority -- the Players Trust for Children arranges the day, the Marlins supply the tickets and refreshments, and the transit authority supplies the bus. As the kids arrive at the stadium, they are welcomed by Marlins players for an exciting and unforgettable experience.
The Marlins are reaching out to youth baseball and softball leagues throughout South Florida, inviting them to join the Youth Baseball and Softball Partnership Program. There are numerous benefits to being a part of the Youth Baseball and Softball Partnership Program, including access to deeply discounted tickets, parades for league participants and exclusive league recognition during games at Marlins Park. For more information email jgarciga@marlins.com
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. The mission of BTF is to promote and enhance the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball throughout the world by funding programs, fields, coaches' training, and the purchase of uniforms and equipment to encourage and maintain youth participation in the game.
MLB Pitch, Hit & Run is a grassroots skills competition that focuses on three fundamental baseball elements: fielding/throwing, batting, and base running. The competition helps children ages 7-14 focus on becoming better all-around players.
In an effort to recognize deserving youth baseball and softball players for doing well in school and displaying sportsmanship on the diamond, the Marlins have partnered with The Miami Herald to co-sponsor the Team Player spotlight on Sunday's Youth Sports pages in the Neighbors section.
