MIAMI -- The Miami Marlins Tee Ball Initiative presented by Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) will return for a third year in early February, the Marlins announced on Thursday morning. The program has expanded to more than 195 teams across 25 youth baseball and softball leagues in South Florida -- from Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

The initiative, which aims to grow the game across the region by alleviating costs and increasing the potential number of children playing, started with 132 teams at its launch in 2019.

"It is an exciting time for our organization as future All-Stars across South Florida take the field to play ball," said Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, executive director of the Miami Marlins Foundation. "Our organization is committed to the local youth, with the focus on creating opportunities for them to achieve success on and off the field. We are thankful for the support of UKG, who join us in making an impact in our community."

The Marlins Tee Ball Initiative provides jersey shirts, hats and equipment to recreational tee ball programs. Each registered player also will be given a Marlins hat, jersey shirt, face covering and a complimentary ticket voucher to a future game at Marlins Park. Teams will be invited to participate in the Marlins' 2021 Youth League Days celebrations, and they will receive a personalized video from a Marlins player and Marlins-branded batting tees and baseballs. Participating leagues will be presented with a personalized Marlins outfield wall banner.

Leagues and teams interested in joining the 2021 fall season should visit Marlins.com/TeeBall for the latest information.

"UKG is proud to support the Marlins in this important initiative, bringing some much-needed fun and joy to children throughout our community," said Jody Kaminsky, chief marketing officer at UKG. "The Marlins have been a great teammate for years, both on and off the field. We're thrilled to continue our partnership through the tee ball program and look forward to delivering even more community impact together this season."

Added David Oxfeld, Marlins head of partnership development and strategy: "As a committed partner who shares a focus on being a community leader as well as a first-class business, UKG's unwavering support has allowed us to continue to grow the game across South Florida. We are excited for the start of the upcoming season to see the future All-Stars of our community take the field in their Marlins jersey."