Major League Baseball has awarded partial college scholarships to 12 incoming college freshmen who are alumni of the Nike Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (Nike RBI) program -- the baseball and softball initiative operated and funded by MLB to serve youth from underserved communities -- which will total $240,000 to this class over the course of their collegiate careers. Since its inception in 2008, the “RBI for RBI” Scholarship Fund has awarded nearly $4 million in college scholarships to more than 150 Nike RBI participants from over 40 programs.

Name | School | Nike RBI League
Jordan Vazquez | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Chicago Cubs Nike RBI
Sydney Dance | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | Cincinnati Reds Nike RBI
Isabella Wittrock | Eastern Kentucky University | Cincinnati Reds Nike RBI
Christopher Jones | Barton College | Durham Long Ball Nike RBI
Jody Womack Jr. | Methodist University | Durham Long Ball Nike RBI
Savion Bishop | Cosumnes River College | Gamers Alaska Nike RBI
Quincy Franks | Rust College | Houston Astros Nike RBI
Avery Robinson | Rust College | Houston Astros Nike RBI
Khoi Anderson | Vanguard University of Southern California | Los Angeles Angels Nike RBI
Nicholas Garcia | Philander Smith College Texas Rangers Nike RBI
Kobe Villa Dallas | Baptist University | Texas Rangers Nike RBI
Anaya Torres | Neumann University | Philadelphia Phillies Nike RBI

The recipients are receiving the grants through the “RBI for RBI” Scholarship Fund, created to provide financial support for college-bound student-athletes based on academic record, leadership qualities, participation in school and community activities, and financial need. 

“These young athletes have had such a strong impact in their communities and are amazing students,” said Tony Reagins, Chief Baseball Development Officer at Major League Baseball. “MLB is proud of these young men and women whose character and leadership stood out among the thousands of Nike RBI players all across the country. We remain thankful for their contribution to growing our game in their communities 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.