Play Ball! CLE

Play Ball! CLE is an initiative of Cleveland Guardians Charities that provides financial support and educational resources to underserved baseball, softball, and adaptive organizations throughout Northeast Ohio.

Through this program, we aim to support not just youth players, but their coaches and volunteers as well. Recognizing the many life lessons that team sports can instill, our ultimate goal is to ensure every league within our program is making a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of the young athletes they serve.

This partnership between Cleveland Guardians Charities and local youth leagues offers an extensive range of benefits designed to increase representation and grow the game of baseball and softball in marginalized communities. Guardians players serve as Youth Baseball & Softball Player Ambassadors throughout the season, connecting with and supporting the diverse group of young athletes involved in Play Ball! CLE leagues.

Best of all, every benefit extended to Play Ball! CLE participants is completely FREE!

Program participants enjoy access to:

• GRIT Coaching Clinics — including USA Baseball Community Coaching Clinics and Positive Alliance Coaching Clinics, giving coaches and volunteers the tools to lead with purpose
• Cleveland Guardians Game Tickets — to our annual Play Ball! CLE game, bringing leagues together for a shared experience at the ballpark
• Pregame Parade on the Field — players wear their little league uniforms and take the field before the game, celebrating their pride and their community
• Exclusive MLB Event Invitations — access to a host of special events hosted by Major League Baseball
• Early Access to Community Baseball & Softball Clinics — one-day clinics featuring current and former Cleveland Guardians players, complete with meet & greet, autograph, and photo opportunities designed to develop skills and foster a lasting love for the game
• Additional Special Events — ongoing opportunities throughout the season to engage, grow, and connect

Leagues are eligible to receive grants after making a commitment to providing access and opportunity for youth of all ages regardless of backgrounds, demographics, and accessibility needs. Additionally, making a commitment to training all coaches and volunteers to ensure positive experiences for youth on and off the field.

In order to apply for funding, a league or organization must submit a grant application and show proof that they are operating all the mandatory criteria items. Leagues will need to apply annually and be accepted to receive grant funding & resources. Grant dollars can be used in a variety of ways, most using to cover expenses related to uniforms, equipment, field maintenance, award trophies, and umpire & scorekeeper fees.

Video courtesy of WKYC Studios.