Cleveland, OH – Cleveland Guardians Charities today announced the 13 teams participating in PlayBall! CLE for the 2023 season. PlayBall! CLE is an initiative of Cleveland Guardians Charities that provides financial support and educational resources strictly to underserved baseball, softball and adaptive organizations throughout Northeast Ohio. Cleveland-Cliffs continues its support as the presenting partner of PlayBall! CLE.

Youth baseball and softball leagues are eligible to receive PlayBall! CLE grants after making a commitment to providing access and opportunity for youth of all ages, regardless of background, demographic and accessibility needs.

“It’s been our mission to identify local baseball and softball leagues who are committed to providing positive experiences for the youth and families they serve” said Raphael Collins, Assistant Director of Community Impact and Diversity Initiatives. “Through Cleveland Guardians Charities, we’re able to provide needed resources to amplify the good work already being done.”

The Roberto Clemente League, Special Olympics Ohio and Puritas Baseball are all PlayBall! CLE newcomers this season. The Roberto Clemente League is a Spanish-speaking league sponsored personally by Guardians second baseman Andrés Giménez.

For the 2023 season, Guardians players Trevor Stephan, Myles Straw, Josh Naylor, Gabriel Arias, Shane Bieber, Andrés Giménez and José Ramírez. will serve as Guardians Youth Baseball and Softball Player Ambassadors with a goal of connecting and supporting the diverse group of young athletes involved in PlayBall! CLE leagues.

“Everyone in our clubhouse started out by playing in a youth league very similar to the leagues in this program,” said Guardians pitcher Trevor Stephan. “Those experiences meant the world to me as a kid, so now as an ambassador, it means a lot to be able to make sure the kids in our community have a positive experience playing the games we all love.”

This partnership between Cleveland Guardians Charities and local youth leagues involves an astounding list of benefits to increase representation and grow baseball and softball in marginalized communities. Through this program, Cleveland Guardians Charities provides exclusive access to the Guardians brand with limited use of team logos and recognition on the Cleveland Guardians website and social media platforms. Leagues will have the opportunity to enjoy unmatched educational programing in conjunction with MLB- and club-affiliated partners such as MOJO, USA Baseball and the Positive Coaching Alliance. Additionally, Play Ball! CLE leagues will be invited to Progressive Field home games and exclusive events. Celebratory visits will be made throughout each of the leagues’ seasons from Guardians personnel, mascots and Youth Baseball and Softball Player Ambassadors.

2023 PlayBall! CLE affiliate leagues

T-Ball, baseball and softball leagues:

• B Buzz Baseball League
• Baseball Heritage Museum
• Near West Recreation 
• Tri-League Little League
• West Denison Baseball Leagues, Inc.
• Maple Heights Boys League
• OBALL
• Puritas Baseball League
• Roberto Clemente Baseball League

Adaptive leagues:

• Achievement Centers for Children
• Empower Sports
• Miracle League of Lake County
• Special Olympics Ohio