- Launched in 2023 by the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Nike as a reimagined vision of its predecessor – Play Baseball Detroit – the new Play Ball Detroit initiative inspires thousands of children in neighborhoods across the city of Detroit to dream big through the power of Tigers baseball each year.
Through a thoughtful mix of free to low-cost programming as well as hyper-local solutions, Play Ball Detroit is providing necessary resources to grow the game throughout the city.
PLAY BALL DETROIT FEATURES:
- Baseball and softball programming support for thousands of children in Detroit
- Expansion of the Tiny Tigers tee-ball and coach pitch program across the city
- Brand-new uniforms and equipment for partner organizations
- Neighborhood ballpark cleanup projects with Tigers staff and local volunteers
- A renewed commitment to the Tigers Nike RBI baseball and softball program
- Life-changing experiences in neighborhood ballparks and Comerica Park throughout the year
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Play Ball Detroit proudly partners with impact-driven organizations across the city of Detroit working every day to elevate access and opportunity within the game. These partners offer free to low-cost youth baseball and softball programs for thousands of children each year. To learn more about ways to join a program, visit organization links below.
PLAY BALL DETROIT – BY THE NUMBERS
In 2024, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Tigers Foundation, and Nike have supported:
- 4,600 Complimentary Tigers Game Tickets
- 2,000+ Baseballs and Softballs
- 1,500+ Youth and Volunteer Coach Uniforms
- 200+ Staff and Neighbor Volunteer Hours
PLAY BALL DETROIT: PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS
Tiny Tigers
Tiny Tigers is a grassroots initiative under the Play Ball Detroit program designed to grow the games of baseball and softball at the earliest entry point.
More than 1,000 children in Detroit will benefit from new Nike uniforms and equipment, as well as unique life-changing experiences in neighborhood ballparks and Comerica Park throughout the summer.
Tigers Nike RBI
The Detroit Tigers Foundation and Nike are honored to provide renewed support for the Tigers Nike RBI program. Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is a MLB-supported program that provides youth aged 12-18 with the opportunity to play competitive baseball or softball across the country while representing their city and home team.
SUPPORT PLAY BALL DETROIT
The community can support Play Ball Detroit with a financial contribution to the Detroit Tigers Foundation. Donations provide access and opportunity for thousands of children each year to dream big through the power of Tigers baseball.