Major League Baseball and Educators Team Up to Promote Student Success
By Edward Graham
As fans of professional baseball prepare for an exciting finish to the regular season and look forward to the playoffs, Major League Baseball (MLB) and it’s various clubs and affiliates are capping off another successful season of philanthropic programs and educational initiatives devoted to transforming the lives of students.A key component of MLB’s community outreach is its focus on youth engagement, and many of it programs center on working with children and teens to instill a love of the game and a commitment to hard work, dedication, and academic success.
Perhaps MLB’s most successful youth outreach program is Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), which since 1989 has reached more than 1 million youth in the US and around the world. The program is designed to increase participation in baseball and softball among underserved youth, encourage academic participation and achievement, and teach youth about the value of teamwork. It’s even helped discover major league talent. As of 2010, MLB clubs had drafted over 185 former RBI youth, with notable alumni including New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
Participants in the program also have the opportunity to apply for the ‘RBI (Runs Batted In) for RBI (Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities) Scholarship Fund,’ which provides financial assistance to youth who wish to pursue their postsecondary education.