How MLB First Pitch worked its magic with UK kids in 2024
For most kids in the U.S., baseball is accessible practically from the day they are born. But elsewhere in the world, “America’s Pastime” is not quite so ubiquitous. It can be challenging to build up the sport in regions without inherent knowledge of the game. Sometimes though, all it takes
Adams wraps wild year with special trip to Japan
This story was excerpted from Do-Hyoung Park’s Twins Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox. One of the newest additions to the Twins’ 40-man roster, right-hander Travis Adams, had long wanted to take a trip to Japan, so he
'Coach Plush' using baseball to give back
This story was excerpted from Adam McCalvy's Brewers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Youth field dedication means much to Lovullo
This story was excerpted from Steve Gilbert’s D-backs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
2024 Pitch, Hit & Run champions announced
The champions in Major League Baseball’s official youth skills competition – Pitch, Hit & Run – have been named following the National Finals at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 27th. Nearly three dozen children (ages 7-14) from across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico competed in the finals, which can
Peterson returns to sing anthem as youth are honored at Game 2
Game 2 of the World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers featured an annual tradition for Major League Baseball -- the recognition of dozens of young people lauded for their achievements in 2024. MLB invited over 100 student-athletes who participated in various MLB-led community programs nationwide on-field to celebrate their
NYC Scouts Clinic 'opens up doors' for youth baseball
NEW YORK -- Getting your big break in baseball is often about being noticed by the right person. It’s about opportunity, and then making the most of that opportunity. But not all amateur players get the opportunity to play in front of those kinds of decision-makers. MLB Develops is out
NYC Scouts Clinic features Jeter's nephew, CC's son
NEW YORK -- When Derek Jeter hit a walk-off single in his final game at Yankee Stadium, the indelible moment from 2014 was emphasized by his young nephew, Jalen, tipping his hat to the Yankees’ captain from the stands. Wearing an oversized RE2PECT hat, Jalen was young enough then for
Red Sox affiliate hosts second annual scouts clinic for area youth
The first step toward making the Major Leagues is getting noticed by scouts. Over 100 inner-city youth from New England checked that box at the second annual Northeast Scouts Clinic, held at Polar Park, home of the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, on Thursday. The day-long event -- the only MLB
Jennie Finch Empowerment Award goes to infielder Hunter Salausa-Galletes
You almost couldn’t hear Hunter Salausa-Galletes’ name over the cheers of her peers when she was announced as the Jennie Finch Classic Empowerment Award recipient, capping off an exciting 2024 RBI World Series. Hosted at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., the RBI World Series was the
Macon's showing at '24 Nike RBI World Series makes 'big statement'
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- At the 2024 Nike RBI World Series, hosted at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, teams from all over the country, and world, competed for the ultimate prize. Both senior and junior division baseball teams battled it out across multiple rounds of pool games
Tigers Nike RBI team draws energy from memory of beloved teammate
When the Tigers Nike RBI team does a backflip after a win, it represents more than just a celebration of winning a game. It’s a dedication to their fallen teammate Dennell “Nelly” Kemp. “Last year, Nelly did that when we beat Cleveland to prevent them from going to the championship
White Sox Nike RBI sweep Jr., Sr. baseball divisions of Nike RBI World Series
The Chicago White Sox Nike RBI program won the junior baseball division championship of the 2024 Nike RBI World Series on Saturday at Holman Stadium at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla. Chicago won both junior and senior championship match-ups against the Dominican Republic Nike RBI. The
MLB Together celebrates mental wellness at RBI World Series
Even though all of the teams in the Nike RBI World Series were competing to win, the players also took some time to focus on their mental health and wellbeing through an activation put on by MLB Together earlier this week. “We care about the whole kid,” said David James,
Cultural Day a hit with Hank Aaron Invitational players
The 44 elite high school baseball players from the Hank Aaron Invitational did more than just display their skills in the showcase game at Truist Park in Atlanta on Saturday morning. The previous day was the Hank Aaron Invitational Cultural Day. The young athletes received a history lesson on one
Griffey Jr. pop-in at Hank Aaron Invitational leaves players in awe
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- At week 1 of the 2024 Hank Aaron Invitational, participants were treated to a visit from one of the best who ever played the game -- Hall of Famer and MLB-MLBPA youth development ambassador Ken Griffey Jr. The Jackie Robinson Training Complex hosts the invitational, which
MLB hosts first Elite Development Invitational for girls baseball, softball
Early in July, Major League Baseball hosted the first joint Elite Development Invitational for girls baseball and softball. Dual camps took place at the same time, all unfolding over five days at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla. At the invitational, more than 100 high school girls
With championship turf in place, Legacy Field unveiled by MLB, Rangers
DALLAS -- A field for champions. Just 20 minutes away from its original home in Globe Life Field, players of the Rangers MLB Youth Academy will be stepping on the same turf that the Rangers stepped on when they won their first World Series in 2023. “It’s truly the meaning
Jennie Finch Empowerment Award goes to catcher Sofia Santana
Upon the completion of the softball Elite Development Invitational, Sofia Santana received the prestigious Jennie Finch Empowerment Award, presented by Arm & Hammer. Santana, a native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, attends and plays softball at the Robinson School in San Juan, P.R., where she is also involved in multiple academic
Umpiring crew makes special visit to Pittsburgh children's hospital
PITTSBURGH -- Nothing pairs better with the Fourth of July weekend than baseball. That’s why it was fitting that a team of Major League umpires found a way to surprise some kids in Pittsburgh who couldn't make it to the ballpark with a gift of their own. Partnering with the
Nicaragua finishes strong on Day 1 of Nike RBI softball tournament
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- In its debut on the world stage of international softball, the Nicaraguan girls team may have simply run out of time. On Day 1 of the Nike RBI World Softball Regional Tournament at the historic Jackie Robinson Training Complex on Friday, the Central American team --
Dominican Republic rebounds on Day 2 of Nike RBI softball tournament
VERO BEACH, Fla. – As the Nike RBI World Softball Regional Tournament rolled into full swing on June 22 in Day 2 of its tourney involving the Latin American countries and the U.S. Virgin Islands, one point became clear. The Dominican Republic’s squad of young girls was trending upward. Following
Birmingham kids get chance to Play Ball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- With the Double-A Birmingham Barons set to play in the MiLB at Rickwood Field game against the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday night, their home ballpark -- Regions Field -- could have sat empty. Instead, it was filled with the raucous chorus of children’s voices, as Major League
Lindor's enthusiasm a perfect match for PLAY BALL Weekend
NEW YORK -- Late Wednesday night, Francisco Lindor hit a 414-foot homer to extend the Mets’ lead in a win over the Marlins at Citi Field. By 6:30 on Thursday morning, Lindor was back on his feet and serving up pitches to a number of New York-based baseball and softball
Ambassadors tout passion for the game on World Softball Day
World Softball Day received special recognition in the heart of New York City on Thursday, with several well-known players celebrating the occasion in the heart of Times Square. MLB Youth Ambassador Lauren Gipson (Chamberlain) and MLB Softball Ambassador Natasha Watley spent their morning growing the game and teaching the next