The Miami Marlins, Major League Baseball and the City of Hialeah celebrated a new chapter for youth baseball and softball in South Florida with the official designation of the Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy at Babcock Park.
The milestone builds on years of Marlins youth programming at Babcock Park, transforming the existing Academy through significant renovations, expanded resources and its official designation as part of Major League Baseball’s national network of Youth Academies.
Developed through a partnership among the Miami Marlins Foundation, Major League Baseball and the City of Hialeah, with support from the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, the project represents a significant investment in the future of youth baseball and softball in the community.
Renovations across the complex include upgrades to three fields, installation of a new synthetic turf surface, site enhancements and an upgraded indoor baseball facility. The improvements expand the Academy’s capacity to provide year-round baseball and softball programming and create an enhanced environment for young athletes, families and the surrounding community.
The Academy provides baseball and softball opportunities for youth ages 5 to 18, creating a pathway for athletes at different stages of the game. Programming ranges from Tee Ball, Coach Pitch and Kid Pitch to softball, Marlins Nike RBI and development clinics, with an emphasis on fundamentals, skill development, confidence and character both on and off the field.
Since January 2023, more than 5,700 youth have participated in programming at the Academy, reaching families across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The continued investment at Babcock Park builds on that foundation while creating greater capacity for leagues, clinics, tournaments and community events.
With its official MLB Youth Academy designation, Miami becomes the 10th Youth Academy in Major League Baseball’s network. The designation brings MLB branding, enhanced programming standards and national support to an already established hub for youth baseball and softball in South Florida.
The newly enhanced Miami Marlins MLB Youth Academy will continue serving as a year-round community resource where young athletes can learn, compete and grow through the game while expanding access to baseball and softball throughout South Florida.