MLB announces 2013 'RBI for RBI' College Scholarship recipients

Major League Baseball Charities (MLB) has awarded college scholarships, each valued at $5,000 per year, to 12 high school seniors who participate in Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), the Major League Baseball youth baseball and softball initiative, it was announced today.

The recipients are receiving the grants through the "RBI for RBI" Scholarship Fund, an initiative created in 2008 to provide financial support for select college-bound student-athletes who are selected based on academic record, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, and financial need. The recipients will be recognized at the 2013 RBI World Series hosted by the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Since the "RBI for RBI" Scholarship Fund was established, MLB has awarded 66 college scholarships to RBI program participants.

"Our 'RBI for RBI' scholarships recognize some of the best and brightest student-athletes who participate in one of Major League Baseball's signature programs," Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig said. "These 12 recipients have demonstrated leadership both on the field and in the classroom, and MLB is proud to assist these young men and women as they pursue college educations and develop into future leaders."

The 2013 RBI for RBI scholarship recipients are as follows - Name; Hometown (RBI League Name):

Megan Diaz, Miami, FL (Marlins RBI): Will attend the University of Florida to major in pharmacy. She hopes to one day assist patients in determining the best treatment or medication for their illness. She participates in a number of activities at her high school including the marching band and serving as captain of the softball team.
 
David Dorsey, Philadelphia, PA (Phillies RBI): Will attend Chestnut Hill College. While he is undecided on his major, he would like to eventually work with non-profit organizations that help the less fortunate. He has demonstrated leadership by serving as a youth baseball coach for children, ages 3-15, in his community.
 
Joshua Felix, Elizabeth, NJ (Jackie Robinson RBI): Will attend Montclair State University to major in athletic training. He prides himself on being a leader and role model for others, especially to his younger sister, who is an aspiring softball player.

Arturo Garcia, Austin, TX (RBI Austin): Will attend Texas A&M University to study mechanical engineering. He is active in his community, tutoring fellow students in math and writing, and also volunteered his time to help renovate the baseball field at his high school.

Chelsea Hall, Decatur, GA (RBI Atlanta): Will attend Claflin University to study sport management. While she recognizes that she will not be able to play softball forever, she hopes to continue her love of sports after her playing days are over by working in the sports industry. She is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America.

Jared Jones, Hendersonville, TN (Nashville RBI): Will attend Tuskegee University to major in political science. He aspires to own a sports law firm, and actively volunteers for a number of organizations including Habitat for Humanity.

Kendall Kinard, Prosperity, SC (Charleston RBI): Will attend Charleston Southern University to study electronic engineering. He has won a number of academic, athletic and community service awards throughout high school.

Miranda Ladanyi, Ludlow, KY (Cincinnati RBI): Will attend Spalding University to study special education and will play on the school's softball team. Throughout high school, she has participated in a number of community service activities including the Buddy Walk.

Steven Price, Jersey City, NJ (Jersey City RBI): Will attend Rutgers University to study physical therapy. He has won his high school's alumni leadership award the past four years.

Hakeem Rhodes, Sarasota, FL (Bradenton RBI): Will attend Columbia University to study chemical engineering. He is active in numerous school clubs and activities including serving as president of his school's National Honor Society.

Elizabeth Tolentino, Jersey City, NJ (Jersey City RBI): Will attend Kean University to major in biology with a minor in forensic science. She hopes to become a forensic expert and work in criminal justice. She demonstrates leadership in her community by volunteering at an afterschool program at her old elementary school.
 
Kendrick Walk, Meridian, MS (Mississippi RBI): Will attend the University of Southern Mississippi to study athletic training. He aspires to one day hold a PhD in Sports Medicine. He attributes playing baseball to helping him become a leader on the field.

The scholarships provide each recipient the opportunity to pursue any field of study at a two-year college, four-year college, university or vocational school in the United States or Puerto Rico. The need-based payments of up to $5,000 per year may be renewed for up to three academic years. The "RBI for RBI" scholarship fund is administered and funded by MLB.

About Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI)
The RBI program is a Major League Baseball youth initiative designed to provide opportunities to play baseball and softball, to encourage excellence and achievement in education and to teach the value of teamwork and other important life lessons to underserved young people, ages 5 to 18, from underserved and diverse communities. The RBI program provides more than 200,000 boys and girls the opportunity to play baseball and softball in more than 300 programs established in more than 200 cities worldwide. MLB and its Clubs have designated more than $30 million worth of resources to the RBI program, and all 30 Clubs support RBI leagues. For more information, please visit: MLB.com/rbi.