Corbin Carroll and the D-backs just gave dozens of high schoolers from across Arizona the surprise of their lives.
Students participating in the D-backs’ Nike RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) baseball and softball programs were surprised with their very own set of gear on Thursday, a gift from the club ahead of their trip to Seattle for the Nike RBI regionals next week. Items received included jerseys, caps, pants, cleats, sunglasses and backpacks.
The athletes were selected by Diamondbacks Baseball Academy coaches to represent the organization at the tournament, and received an unforgettable sendoff to regionals, to say the least.
“We’re putting a big organization on our chest,” said Adolfo Pacheco, who’s making his third appearance on the baseball team. “I’m very excited to be here in this position and have the opportunity to play for the D-backs RBI baseball team.”
The D-backs Nike RBI program is available for youth ages 5-18 at Boys & Girls Clubs, and provides opportunities for youth in underserved communities to play and learn baseball while encouraging academic achievement and teamwork.
The baseball team played in the tournament’s World Series semifinal last season, while 2024 marks the inaugural season for the softball team.
Carroll, the D-backs’ Nike RBI MLB ambassador, is heavily involved with the program’s offseason activities, and surprised the players with a personal appearance at Thursday’s ceremony.
“I want to start off by saying how proud I am of you guys, representing all of Phoenix and all of Arizona,” Carroll said to the student athletes. “It’s pretty cool what you guys have done, and what you guys are going to continue to do.”
Those words of encouragement meant the world to Julissa Pulido, a softball player from Tolleson. The infielder said her and her teammates were caught completely off-guard by the ceremony, as they were under the impression that they were simply getting to Thursday’s game against the Braves early to watch batting practice.
Instead, they were surprised with the afternoon reception, and were also recognized during a pregame sendoff ceremony prior to first pitch
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and everyone who’s helped me,” Pulido said. “If you get a chance you need to show what you have and show to everyone that you can do it.”
Cullen Maxey, the Diamondbacks’ executive vice president of business operations and chief revenue officer, said the RBI program -- which the D-backs took control of several years ago -- represents the club’s ongoing effort to grow both baseball and softball in the community.
“This is what contributing to this sport looks like, and this is how it should be done,” Maxey said. “I’m very proud of everyone that’s working on this, but I am most proud, and thrilled, for the participants.”
Set to take off in style, the participants are dialed in for their regional tournament in Seattle next week.
No matter the result, though, all of the players are guaranteed to make memories that last a lifetime.
“These are moments you won’t be able to relive, ever,” Pacheco said. “These are the best moments."