GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for Largest Game of Catch to be attempted during MLB All-Star week
MLB Largest Game of Catch Presented by Chevrolet to be Held at the P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy on July 9th
Major League Baseball, the Cincinnati Reds, Chevrolet and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ are joining together to attempt to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Game of Catch during MLB All-Star Week in Cincinnati. The event, which will be presented by Chevrolet, will be held at the P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy on Thursday, July 9th at 6:00 p.m. ET. The new All-Star event is part of MLB's focus on engaging young people with the game of baseball.
In order for the record to be set, a minimum of 250 pairs of young people (ages 8 - 18) must participate in the game of catch. The overall event will be open to the general public, with those within the age range of 8-18 eligible to participate in the record-setting attempt. Space is limited so fans wishing to attend are encouraged to register at allstargame.com/catch. Registration will be closed once the capacity of the Urban Youth Academy is reached. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves. All participants will receive a t-shirt, a baseball and snacks. Additional sponsors supporting the event include Aquafina, Gatorade and Kellogg's.
Immediately following the record-setting attempt, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation will conduct an instructional clinic. The program will consist of baseball and softball drills led by the Foundation staff for all registered attendees.
"This attempt to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Game of Catch will be a great opportunity for young people and families across Reds Country to take part in the All-Star festivities," said Tony Petitti, Chief Operating Officer, Major League Baseball. "The event will also place a spotlight on the P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy, one of the many youth initiatives undertaken by Major League Baseball, and the positive impact that is made there on a daily basis."
"The Largest Game of Catch demonstrates Chevrolet's support of baseball at all levels, from youth leagues to the Big Leagues," said Brian Sweeney, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet. "We join MLB in their mission to include more young people in the game we love and support through the more than 1,600 Chevrolet dealers that sponsor leagues in the Chevrolet Youth Baseball program."
Major League Baseball is dedicated to its ongoing youth initiatives, including the implementation of programs that make it easier for underserved and inner city youth to participate in baseball and softball. The P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy is modeled after the facilities in Compton, CA, Houston, TX and New Orleans, LA featuring four renovated fields and a 33,000 square foot building that includes batting cages, pitching tunnels and full indoor field. Similar to all MLB Urban Youth Academies, the P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy offers educational and baseball vocation programming including tutoring as well as clinics and free seminars on umpiring and athletic field management.
Major League Baseball currently holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Baseball which will be on display at T-Mobile All-Star FanFest from July 10th - July 14th at the Duke Energy Convention Center. The white leather, red-laced ball measures 12 feet in diameter and features the signatures of baseball greats such as Hank Aaron, Derek Jeter, Ozzie Smith and Willie Mays. T-Mobile All-Star FanFest is the world's largest interactive baseball theme park with more than 40 baseball-related attractions for fans of all ages. Visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take photos with and get free autographs from former Reds players, MLB Legends and Hall of Famers; learn from their favorite players during skills clinics; take swings in the batting cages; view a collection of and take photos with official MLB trophies including the World Series Trophy; explore exhibits from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. All T-Mobile All-Star FanFest attractions, including autograph signings, are free with the price of admission with the only additional costs for concessions and memorabilia.