MLB awards college scholarships to 12 Nike RBI student-athletes
Major League Baseball has awarded the latest round of college scholarships, each valued at $5,000 per year, to 12 incoming college freshmen, all of whom are alumni of the Nike Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program -- the baseball and softball initiative administered by MLB to serve youth, particularly those from underserved communities. With this installment of new scholarships, the RBI for RBI Scholarship program is providing 37 students with more than $180,000 in scholarships in the 2024-2025 academic year.
The recipients are receiving the grants through the “RBI for RBI” Scholarship Fund, created in 2008 to provide financial support for college-bound student-athletes based on academic record, leadership qualities, participation in school and community activities, and financial need. Since its inception, the “RBI for RBI” Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 160 college scholarships to Nike RBI participants from more than 40 programs.
Of note, one of the recipients, Mackenzie Mercado of Cleveland Guardians Nike RBI, was a winner of MLB’s Breaking Barriers essay contest at the 2023 Nike RBI Softball World Series, where she received a laptop for the story of how she broke barriers in her life.
“The impact and effect these young athletes have had on their communities and the accomplishments in their academic lives are something each of these young people should truly be proud of,” said David James, Vice President of Baseball and Softball Development at Major League Baseball. “MLB is grateful to provide this financial support to these 12 recipients as they pursue their life goals. We are thankful for their contributions to our sport and their participation in the Nike RBI program and look forward to seeing their continued success.”
The “RBI for RBI” scholarships provide each recipient the opportunity to pursue any field of study at a two-year college, four-year college, university or vocational school in the United States or Puerto Rico. The scholarships may be renewed for up to three years or until the award recipient has earned his or her training certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree.