Red Sox Outfielder Chris Young will take part in season-opening ceremonies for the Red Sox Foundation's RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) and Rookie League programs, which engage inner city teenagers in baseball and softball.
"RBI Opening Day" takes place Saturday, May 13, at Jim Rice Field in Roxbury. Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and include participation from Wally the Green Monster. The 2013 World Series trophy will also be on hand and baseball and softball equipment from the Jordan's Furniture equipment drive will be handed out to players before the festivities.
RBI welcomes youth 9-18 years old to the game of baseball, and the Rookie League introduces youngsters 5-12 to the game. Last year, more than 1,600 boys and girls participated in the two programs, which are funded and operated by the Red Sox Foundation, and supported by Franklin Sports, Aramark, Regina Pizzeria, JetBlue, Neighborhood Health Plan, Poland Spring, and ZipCar.
"Franklin Sports is proud to partner with the Red Sox Foundation and its RBI Program to revive baseball and softball in the inner-cities," said Franklin Sports' Vice President, Adam Franklin. "Our Stoughton, MA based company has been promoting participation in youth sports for over 70 years by producing sporting equipment across every category. As one of the leading baseball and softball brands in the world, partnering with the Red Sox Foundation is a perfect fit for us and we couldn't be happier to welcome the organization into our Franklin Family."