|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Like many kids, I dreamed of playing baseball in the major leagues throughout my entire childhood. Growing up, I started playing ball very early on. It was playing on little league fields in my community that made it possible. Every day, every week, every weekend, I would make time to play catch or hit off a tee, excited for the next opportunity to get on the field. That feeling for me, obviously, never went away whether it was high school, college or in the major leagues both as a player and manager.
We all start somewhere. Having someone introduce us to the sport and give us the space and support to grow can be the start of something great.
Now, with the Marlins, we have the chance to provide the same opportunity to South Florida’s youngest athletes through the Marlins Tee Ball Initiative presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. It allows recreational tee ball programs to lower costs through donated uniforms, hats and equipment, affording more boys and girls the opportunity to experience the sport I love so much.
This season’s Tee Ball Initiative is in full swing with nearly 250 teams in neighborhoods around South Florida taking part this year. Additionally, we will see more than 10,000 pieces of equipment and uniforms donated to our future all-star youth baseball and softball players.
A program like this is the start to making memories that will last a lifetime – and it doesn’t end there. We are continuing our work to provide access to baseball and softball to as many local kids as possible through our Marlins Youth Academy RBI program.
Marlins RBI and Jr. RBI is a special program for kids of just about all ages. The program offers free, instructional and competitive summer baseball and fastpitch softball while promoting academic achievement and social responsibility. Every summer more than 500 kids compete for a chance to make it to the Major League Baseball RBI Southeast Regional tournament and the RBI World Series.
Team building, sportsmanship and personal growth are just a few of the on-field lessons that can be carried off the field as South Florida’s children strive to become the best they can be.
There are plenty of opportunities for kids to participate at loanDepot park, as well. Join us every Sunday home game and run the bases on the field after the game and, every home game, kids can visit Billy’s Boathouse and play in our baseball-themed playground or take a crack at our virtual home run derby.
Now, for kids all over South Florida, dreams can come true. We hope to see you and the family at a game soon.
If you are interested in learning more about the Marlins Tee Ball Initiative or Marlins RBI be sure to visit: Marlins.com/teeball or Marlins.com/RBI. To plan your next visit to the ballpark, visit Marlins.com/tix.
