Sandlot Summer makes successful debut at the Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy

A new summer tradition took the field at the Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy in 2026, as 200 young athletes participated in the inaugural Sandlot Summer program.

Hosted across two sessions at the newly renovated Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy at Babcock Park in Hialeah, Sandlot Summer provided free baseball and softball programming for athletes ages 5 to 12, creating an accessible opportunity for young players to stay active, sharpen their skills and remain connected to the game throughout the summer.

Unlike a traditional league built around fixed teams and standings, Sandlot Summer emphasizes instruction, development and enjoyment of the game. Participants take the field and participate in clinic-style programming focused on baseball and softball fundamentals while building confidence, teamwork and relationships with fellow athletes.

Each week culminated with Sandlot Scrimmages on Friday evenings, bringing the spirit of pickup baseball and softball to the Academy. Athletes were placed on teams when they arrived and took the field for relaxed, competitive games, giving them an opportunity to apply what they learned throughout the week, play alongside different teammates and experience the game in a fun and supportive setting.

The strong participation in Sandlot Summer's inaugural season adds another dimension to the Academy's growing year-round programming and reflects its commitment to creating greater access to baseball and softball for young athletes throughout South Florida.

Sandlot Summer is an impactful program that highlights the Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy's year-round commitment to providing baseball and softball opportunities for youth throughout South Florida. Operated through a partnership between the Miami Marlins Foundation and the City of Hialeah Parks & Recreation, the Academy serves athletes ages 5 to 18 through programming that emphasizes skill development, character building and leadership on and off the field.

The inaugural season established Sandlot Summer as another opportunity for young athletes to stay connected to the game during the summer months while continuing their development in an engaging and supportive environment. As the Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy continues to expand its programming, Sandlot Summer adds another pathway for youth to learn, compete and grow through baseball and softball.