Major League Baseball, Detroit Tigers Help Kick Off Return of Youth Baseball in Flint

(FLINT, MICH)– More than 100 Flint area children participated in the PLAY BALL event held at Hardenbrook Park (also known as Jackson Park) on Jackson Avenue Saturday, making the event a big success. Mayor Karen Weaver also attended the event and even did a little pitching to the kids.

“It was so great to see all the kids outside having fun playing a sport so many of us grew up playing,” said Weaver. “This is what kids should be doing in the spring and summer months.”

Major League Baseball teamed up with the Detroit Tigers to host a ‘PLAY BALL’ event to support and promote a new Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program in Flint.  Jackson Park RBI will serve as a low-cost baseball and softball league for youth throughout the city.  In addition to playing opportunities, RBI programs also emphasize character development and academic success.  Kids who participated in the event Saturday, were also able to have their parents/guardians register them for the new Jackson Park RBI program.

The PLAY BALL event feature bat and ball activities that highlight the variety of fun, informal ways baseball and softball can be played. The activities will include: home run derby, running bases, bat & ball games and more. In addition, each participant will receive a bat & ball set to take home along with ‘PLAY BALL’ T-shirts and wristbands.