About the Miami Marlins Youth Academy

The Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy officially launched in spring 2023 with a mission to provide high-quality, accessible baseball and softball programming rooted in character development. What began with a small group of young athletes participating in tee ball, coach pitch and softball has grown into a year-round program serving players across multiple age groups and levels of competition.

Today, the Academy offers tee ball, coach pitch, kid pitch and softball, along with competitive Nike RBI teams at the 15U and 18U levels. As the Academy has grown, its purpose has remained the same: to use baseball and softball as a vehicle to build confidence, discipline, character and opportunity for every participant.

By removing financial barriers, the Academy helps ensure young athletes from all backgrounds have access to organized sports, and meaningful mentorship. Its curriculum is guided by Jackie Robinson’s Nine Values, reinforcing principles such as integrity, teamwork, perseverance and citizenship both on and off the field.

At its core, the Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy is committed to building more than athletes — it is dedicated to building Major League citizens. Through baseball, softball, education and mentorship, the Academy prepares young people to succeed on the field, in the classroom and in their communities.

The Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy offers free, year-round baseball and softball programming for athletes ages 5-18, providing players of all experience levels the opportunity to learn, develop and grow their game.

Athletes train with the Youth Academy’s experienced coaching staff, which includes former college players and Major Leaguers. Training is tailored to each athlete’s age and skill level, beginning with the fundamentals of hitting, fielding and baserunning and progressing to more advanced instruction focused on game strategy, mental aspects of the game, and building baseball and softball IQ.

Ready to take the field? Register for Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy baseball and softball programming at marlins.com/youthacademy.

For athletes ready to take their game to the next level, the Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy can open the door to opportunities beyond the Academy.

Top-performing athletes may be invited to participate at no cost in exclusive, invitation-only training camps, seminars, combines, scouting events and other development experiences designed to help them grow their skills and gain exposure.

Opportunities include MLB Develops events, like the Breakthrough Series, Elite Development Invitational, Dream Series, Trailblazer Series, MLB GRIT, States Play and Hank Aaron Invitational, as well as other opportunities through USA Baseball and USA Softball.

Marlins Nike RBI is an invitational baseball and softball program that provides free, instructional and competitive summer baseball and fastpitch softball for athletes ages 13-18 across underserved communities in South Florida. Through the game, the program promotes athletic development, academic achievement and social responsibility while creating more opportunities for young athletes to play and compete.

Each year, the Marlins provide uniforms, equipment and umpires for more than 650 athletes. In addition to competing in a fun and competitive summer league, participants have access to clinics hosted by Marlins players and alumni, Marlins Nike RBI Winter Development Clinics at the Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy, RBI Night at loanDepot park and scholarship opportunities.

Each summer, the Marlins Nike RBI Junior Baseball, Senior Baseball and Softball All-Star teams represent the program at the MLB Nike RBI Southeast Regional Tournament, giving athletes the opportunity to compete at the next level.

Jackie Robinson changed the game forever when he broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, leaving a lasting legacy of courage, equality, determination and impact that extends far beyond baseball.

In celebration of his legacy, the Miami Marlins Foundation hosts the annual Jackie Robinson Classic, presented by Nike, at loanDepot park. The game brings together two local high school baseball teams for a regular-season matchup while giving student-athletes the opportunity to take the field at a Major League ballpark.

Each participating athlete also takes home a Nike warm-up shirt featuring one of Jackie Robinson’s Nine Values alongside his iconic No. 42, carrying forward the principles he embodied both on and off the field.

The Miami Marlins believe baseball is for everyone. Through Baseball for All, the Marlins help create opportunities for individuals of all physical and intellectual abilities to experience and take part in the joy of the game.

Through partnerships with the Miracle League of Miami-Dade, Special Olympics Florida, Baseball Fantasy Camp for Kids, and the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MLBVI), we are proud to host inclusive baseball experiences throughout the year.

Annual events include: Miracle League games at loanDepot park, Baseball Fantasy Camp for Kids clinics, the Special Olympics Skills Assessment Clinic as well as the Beep Ball Classic and a Sensory Tour with Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.

Throughout the year, Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy athletes have the opportunity to test their skills, compete and represent the Academy in youth competitions and tournaments at the local and national levels.

Each year, the Youth Academy hosts a local competition for Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit & Run skills competition. Top performers advance to the team final at loanDepot park, with the opportunity to earn a spot in the national finals held during a Major League Baseball Jewel Event.

Youth Academy athletes also compete in baseball and softball tournaments throughout the year, including MLB’s All-Star Week Commissioner’s Cup and Jennie Finch Classic, along with several local tournaments and competitions.

The Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy celebrates athletes who make an impact both on and off the field through a variety of awards and scholarships.

Each year, the Youth of the Year Award recognizes a dedicated Youth Academy athlete who demonstrates excellence on the field, makes a positive impact in the community and serves as a role model for fellow Academy members.

At the end of each season, the Rising Stars Award recognizes a select group of athletes for their performance on and off the field. Honorees are celebrated not only for their accomplishments on the field, but also for exemplifying Jackie Robinson’s Nine Values.

The Marlins Foundation and Youth Academy also invest in athletes beyond the game by awarding two $2,500 college scholarships to graduating participants in the Marlins Nike RBI League. Eligible Marlins Nike RBI athletes may also apply for Major League Baseball’s RBI for RBI Scholarship, which provides a $5,000 renewable scholarship for up to four years of undergraduate study.

In 2019, the Miami Marlins made a commitment to help more South Florida kids step onto the field, creating easier access to baseball and softball throughout the community.

The Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy partners with recreational tee ball organizations to help remove financial barriers to play. By providing uniforms, caps and essential equipment, the program helps lower registration costs and makes it easier for more young athletes to participate in the game.

The Miami Marlins, now working alongside UHealth, continue to follow through on our commitment by partnering with leagues from the Florida Keys to Palm Beach County, ensuring more than 3,000 children will have the opportunity to play.

The Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy, developed in partnership with the City of Hialeah Parks and Recreation Department, is located at Babcock Park and provides young athletes with a dedicated space to train, develop, and play.

The complex features seven outdoor baseball and softball fields, including a turf show field that can be converted into three smaller fields, as well as outdoor bullpens and indoor batting tunnels for year-round training and development.