Oct. 17, 2023 — The Arizona Fall League (AFL) has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of The Valley to host two special events during the 2023 AFL season focused on engaging nearly 200 young fans, ages 8 to 14, per event. The events aim to create and foster local relationships between Major League Baseball, the AFL and local youth organizations in the Phoenix-metropolitan area. Students will be introduced to elementary concepts of baseball analytics by STEM Sports, combining science and math, while taking in an AFL game.

Sloan Park and the City of Mesa will host Boys & Girls Clubs of The Valley this Wednesday, Oct. 18, while Peoria Sports Complex and the City of Peoria will host the group Wednesday, Oct. 25. Both games will start at 2:30 p.m. Beginning this season, the Arizona Fall League adjusted its afternoon start time to 2:30 p.m. for greater opportunities for young fans and after-school programs to attend AFL games.

With collaboration from the venues, local and city governments, STEM Sports and Specialized Transport Services, the outings will be hosted at no charge to the students or Boys & Girls Clubs of The Valley. The students will also be provided lunch. All AFL games are free for fans aged 12 and under.

“The Arizona Fall League is focused on creating a fun, inclusive and educational environment for young fans,” said Chuck Fox, Director of the Arizona Fall League and Director of Baseball and Softball Development in the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. “We are excited to start this relationship and look forward to seeing it grow in years to come.”

“We’re excited to be part of this community initiative that introduces young fans to the AFL and the science of baseball,” General Manager of Sloan Park & Spring Training Business Operations Justin Piper said. “We hope all fans attending enjoy the game and walk away with a better knowledge of the game.”

“The City of Peoria is honored to host this great community initiative,” said Mike Hyland, Superintendent, Sports Complex Operations for the City of Peoria. “We look forward to the students enjoying a fun and educational day at the ballpark.”