MIAMI – The Miami Marlins Foundation and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital are teaming up for a great cause – to provide young boys and girls across South Florida the opportunity to play the game. With the Marlins Youth Academy Spring Tee Ball Initiative, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, more than 3,500 kids from Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties will suit up in Marlins gear to play ball!

The Tee Ball Initiative has grown to include 249 teams across 24 leagues this spring, an increase of more than 100 percent since the inaugural season in 2019!

“We know the return of Marlins baseball is right around the corner with the opening of our annual Youth Academy Spring Tee Ball Initiative. We are beyond joyed to see so many future All-Stars take the field in their Marlins jerseys as we grow and provide access to the game of baseball,” said Caroline O’Connor, Marlins President of Business Operations. “We are proud to partner with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, a trusted and leading South Florida organization, for this amazing program to help make a real impact on our local youth.”

“Tee Ball is a wonderful way to introduce children to baseball and to grow their love for the sport,” said Tony Milian, Administrative Director, Pediatric Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Neurosciences at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “We work with many sports leagues and high schools across South Florida through our Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital [Under18] Sports Medicine Program, and the passion and commitment of many of the athletes was nurtured earlier in their life with opportunities like this one. We are proud to work alongside the Marlins and create a lasting impact for many of these kids who may become tomorrow’s baseball stars.”

The Tee Ball Initiative was launched in 2019 and has seen more than 12,500 little leaguers take the field with Marlins jerseys. The program aims at growing the game and alleviating some of the league costs in order to increase registration, interest and participation in the game of baseball. The initiative provides game shirts, hats, and equipment to recreational tee ball programs. Additionally, each registered player receives two complimentary ticket vouchers to catch Marlins baseball on a Youth League Day.

The Miami Marlins Foundation and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will celebrate the start of the spring season with a special Opening Day celebration at Howard Palmetto Baseball & Softball Association at Coral Reef Park on Saturday, February 4. Marlins outfielder Jorge Soler and Billy The Marlin will join in on the festivities, making it a day to remember.