Through Playball! CLE, focus is on local kids

CLEVELAND -- Indians starter Logan Allen has the phrase, “What handicap?” tattooed on his arm in honor of his older brother Philip, who has severe cerebral palsy. It’s a motto that has driven Allen to print T-shirts with the saying across the chest to raise money and awareness for the Miracle League. And his passion is now becoming part of his team’s mission.

On Wednesday, the Indians announced the establishment of PlayBall! CLE presented by Ohio 549. It’s an initiative of Cleveland Indians charities that will provide financial support to underserved baseball and softball organizations throughout Greater Cleveland. Eight leagues, including the Miracle League of Northeast Ohio, have been selected to be part of the program’s first year.

“We are really excited to rethink our youth baseball and softball involvement in Northeast Ohio,” Indians vice president of communications and community impact Curtis Danburg said. “With this new initiative, we will be able to serve more leagues, more than doubling the number of kids we are supporting, while providing educational and financial resources to grow our game among Greater Cleveland youth.”

The goal of the initiative is simple: provide access and opportunity for kids in the local community, improve the quality of their baseball and softball experiences and ensure the leagues are applying the best practices. And Allen will be playing a significant role in the club’s interactions with the Miracle League of Northeast Ohio with his “What handicap?” T-shirt campaign that he started last December.

The Tri-League Little League, B Buzz Baseball League, Near West Recreation, West Denison Baseball Leagues, Inc., Empower Sports, Achievement Centers for Children and the baseball Heritage Museum’s Buckeyes Baseball Club were also selected to be a part of PlayBall! CLE in 2021.

“Having the BHM Buckeyes Baseball Club be part of the inaugural year of the PlayBall! CLE program is another step in creating a meaningful partnership between the Baseball Heritage Museum and the Cleveland Indians organization,” the museum’s director of baseball activities Jay Murphy said. “Our goals are the same -- creating ways to engage young people to play the great game of baseball. Being part of the program will provide valuable resource for both parties in continuing efforts to encourage children of Northeast Ohio to be involved with this game.”

The Indians will assure all leagues have the sufficient funds for uniforms, equipment, trophies, administrative support, field/umpire fees and league fees. Participants will be able to have some other fun perks, including recognition on the Indians’ website and social media platforms, access to coaches and parent training seminars through Positive Coaching Alliance and the opportunity to attend a special PlayBall! CLE Day at Progressive Field.

While the leagues are set for 2021, applications for ‘22 will be available in the fall. For anyone interested in learning more on how to be a part of PlayBall! CLE, visit www.mlb.com/indians/community/playballcle.