The Marlins offer opportunities for children of all ages to enjoy baseball through the following programs.
Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is a youth program offering children ages 13-18, who live in disadvantaged areas, the opportunity to participate in organized baseball. This program is designed to promote interest in baseball, academic achievement and social responsibility in underserved and disadvantaged areas of South Florida. The Marlins supply the uniforms, umpires and equipment for more than 500 children. All participants enjoy a fun and competitive summer league, clinics hosted by Marlins players and alumni, recognition on the field and an invitation to RBI Night, and the opportunity to be selected for the RBI All Star team that competes in the Southeast Regional Tournament.
Marlins RBI Southeast Regional Champions
Baseball Juniors
2010, 2009, 2005, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1994, 1993
Baseball Seniors
2008, 2005, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1994
Softball
2000, 1999, 1998
In 2012, Southeast Regional Tournament held from at Vero Beach Sports Village (formerly known as Dodgertown) in Vero Beach, FL. Miami will compete in all three divisions for the opportunity to participate in the RBI World Series August 1st -12th in Minneapolis, MN. The boys championship games will be played on Target Field. Last season was the first year since 2007 that Marlins RBI did not have a team qualify for the World Series, as RBI Dominicana (Juniors), Venice RBI (Seniors), and LA RBI (Softball) all were crowned World Series Champions.
Marlins RBI World Series Champions
In 2009, Major League Baseball launched the Jr. RBI playing divisions of the RBI program to provide opportunities for young people ages 5 to 12 in underserved communities to play baseball and softball. The RBI program is designed to provide opportunities to play baseball and softball, teach the value of teamwork, and encourage academic success.
The Marlins RBI program's inaugural season was this year in 2010. The program replaced the Mini Marlins league that had been in place from 2003 and provided kids ages 6-12 the opportunity to play baseball through the City of Miami Parks and Recreation. Jr. RBI will serve as a feeder program to the RBI league and provide an avenue for kids to begin playing baseball and softball at a younger age. This past season 24 teams made up the Jr. RBI leagues, allowing over 400 kids to participate.
Major League Baseball invited Marlins RBI to participate in the 2nd Annual Jr. RBI Classic where one regular season team was invited to Anaheim during the All-Star break to take part in a non competitive tournament, as well as enjoy the All Star festivities including attending the Home Run Derby.
The Youth Baseball Clinic Series allowed Marlins coaches and players the opportunity to pass along their baseball knowledge to kids. In order to give children the experience of learning baseball from professionals, the Marlins conduct clinics on select Saturday mornings throughout the year. Marlins players and coaches teach the fundamentals of pitching, hitting and fielding.
Marlins Youth Baseball Clinic Hotline, (305) 614-7542.
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The Marlins are reaching out to youth baseball and softball leagues throughout South Florida, inviting them to join the Youth Baseball and Softball Partnership Program. There are numerous benefits to being a part of the Youth Baseball and Softball Partnership Program, including access to deeply discounted tickets, parades for league participants and exclusive league recognition during games at Sun Life Stadium. For more information email msignorello@marlins.com
Downloads: Youth Baseball & Softball Partnership Programs | Youth Baseball & Softball Dates
Marlins fans, here is your chance to help make a difference in the South Florida Community! Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Emilio Bonifacio encourage Marlins fans to donate new and used baseball equipment to the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Youth Equipment Drive. All of the equipment that is collected will be distributed to kids who cannot afford to purchase their own baseball equipment throughout South Florida and the Dominican Republic.
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. The mission of BTF is to promote and enhance the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball throughout the world by funding programs, fields, coaches' training, and the purchase of uniforms and equipment to encourage and maintain youth participation in the game. More »
Through Buses for Baseball, local inner-city youth groups are treated to a day at the ballpark. The program is a cooperative effort among the Players Trust for Children, the Marlins, and the local transit authority -- the Players Trust for Children arranges the day, the Marlins supply the tickets and refreshments, and the transit authority supplies the bus. As the kids arrive at the stadium, they are welcomed by Marlins players for an exciting and unforgettable experience.
MLB Pitch, Hit & Run is a grassroots skills competition that focuses on three fundamental baseball elements: fielding/throwing, batting, and base running. The competition helps children ages 7-14 focus on becoming better all-around players. More »
The Marlins partner with Major League Baseball umpires to offer memorable baseball game experiences for children awaiting adoption and at-risk youth in mentoring programs. Children receive a VIP experience including great seats to see the Marlins at Sun Life Stadium, a goody bag of 'all things baseball', and the unique opportunity to step onto the field for a souvenir baseball and photo. UMPS CARE Charities, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded by Major League Baseball umpires, created the BLUE Crew Tickets program to share the gift of baseball with children and strengthen relationships between children and the adults who aim to make a difference in their lives. More than 4,000 guests have participated in BLUE Crew Tickets since 2006. Learn more at www.UmpsCare.com.
In an effort to recognize deserving youth baseball and softball players for doing well in school and displaying sportsmanship on the diamond, the Marlins have partnered with The Miami Herald to co-sponsor the Team Player spotlight on Sunday's Youth Sports pages in the Neighbors section.
Youth league coaches, team representatives, teachers, friends or family members can nominate any youth league (recreation or travel), middle school or junior varsity baseball/softball player who displays sportsmanship and has good grades or academic gains. Honored players - selected by random drawing - will receive a certificate of achievement and a Marlins item and will be invited to a Marlins game to be recognized on the field.
To nominate someone, e-mail jvarsallone@MiamiHerald.comor call 954-538-7153.