Brewers Host Wisconsin Youth for Annual PLAY BALL Weekend

The “Play Ball” initiative serves as a cornerstone of MLB’s broader efforts to grow the game of baseball and ensure its future by reaching the next generation of fans and players. For the past decade, the Milwaukee Brewers have supported the initiative by hosting a complimentary baseball and softball clinic for 1,000 youth from around the state.

This June, Brewer’s pitchers Quinn Priester and Rob Zastryzny joined Mayor Cavalier Johnson, County Executive David Crowley, Brewers Community Foundation – Executive Director Cecelia Gore, The Players Alliance Vice President for Player Engagement Todd Isaacs, Director of Athletics & Sports Facilities for Journey House Martin Weddle and Brewers broadcaster Josh Maurer to commence the annual PLAY BALL Weekend in Milwaukee.

“The Milwaukee Brewers have a long-standing role in supporting the development of our young people through baseball,” Gore said. “Through Play Ball, we go Beyond the Diamond in our community to connect with youth and share our love of the game, how it can be a positive outlet for physical activity and fun with friends and learning to play the sport at its most basic levels.”

Nearly one thousand children gathered in Milwaukee’s Baran Park for an afternoon clinic hosted by the Brewers Community Foundation with special alumni guests including Jerry Augustine, Tim Dillard, Jim Gantner and Vinny Rottino. The Players Alliance also hosted Equip the Future on site, an initiative focused on mentorship and development for young athletes with an emphasis on conversation surrounding mental, social, and emotional aspects of the game.

The day spent in Milwaukee’s south side consisted of stations with drills including home run derby, agility, fielding pop-ups and grounders, running the bases and a bat and ball game. At the end of the clinic, the participants were given a bat and ball set and a Brewers item keepsake.

Through Play Ball Weekend, all 30 MLB teams work to connect with youth throughout the United States and Canada to share the love of the game, how baseball can be an outlet for physical activity, and a path to form positive and meaningful relationships.