The Phillies will celebrate the inaugural 'PLAY BALL WEEKEND,' a league-wide effort by MLB and all 30 clubs to engage young baseball fans and celebrate the continued support of youth participation in baseball and softball. In support of this initiative, the Phillies will host numerous 'PLAY BALL' events from Saturday, May 14 until Sunday, May 15.
In addition to the below, Phillies players, coaches and managers all will wear specially made 'PLAY BALL' T-shirts during batting practice and 'PLAY BALL' patches on their uniforms during their games against the Cincinnati Reds.
'PLAY BALL WEEKEND' EVENTS
Saturday, May 14^th
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.                               MLB Pitch, Hit & Run
Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy, FDR Park
Young baseball and softball players are invited to show off their pitching, hitting and running skills in hopes of making it one step closer to the National Pitch, Hit & Run Finals at the MLB All-Star Game in July. Those who wish to take part can enroll at pitchhitrun.com.
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.                      Youth Baseball Clinic
Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy, FDR Park
The Phillies Youth Baseball Department will join former RBI players and members of the University of the Sciences baseball team to host a free baseball clinic to young RBI players. Features a guest appearance by the Phanatic.
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.                         Youth Softball Clinic
Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy, FDR Park
The Phillies Youth Softball Department, along with the Phillies Ballgirls, will host a softball clinic for players from local leagues. Features a guest appearance by the Phanatic. For more information or to register go here.
6:00 p.m.                                           Youth Baseball & Softball Parade
Field, Citizens Bank Park
Thousands of players from local baseball and softball teams will take part in a pre-game parade held in their honor before that night's 7:05 p.m. Phillies-Reds game. Plus, all fans receive a Phillies Cap, courtesy of Teva Respiratory.
Cap Exchange
Field, Citizens Bank Park
As part of 'Play Ball' weekend, nine lucky youngsters will be randomly selected to exchange their caps with a Phillies player.
Sunday, May 15^th
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.                        Phillies Home Run Derby
Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy, FDR Park
Hundreds of players ages 7-12 will swing for the fences at this fun baseball and softball hitting contest hosted by the Phillies and MLB. Registration for this event is available at JrHRD.com.
11:35 a.m.                                         MLB Play Ball Day proudly supported by Chevrolet Gates Open
Citizens Bank Park.
All children 14 and under attending the 1:35 p.m. Phillies-Reds game will receive a free bat and ball set at the entrance gates, courtesy of Chevrolet.
1:30 p.m.                                           Starting Nine
Field, Citizens Bank Park.
In honor of the final day of 'Play Ball' weekend, nine lucky youngsters will be randomly selected to stand next to a player during the National Anthem. Each child will be wearing a Chevrolet 'Play Ball' T-shirt.
Following the Game                             Nemours Kid's Run the Bases
Field, Citizens Bank Park.
Immediately following the game, all children 14 and under are invited to go onto the field and run the bases.
ABOUT 'PLAY BALL WEEKEND'
'PLAY BALL WEEKEND' is an extension of the 'PLAY BALL' initiative (PlayBall.org), which launched in 2015 as the sport's largest effort to encourage widespread participation in both formal and casual baseball and softball activities. 'PLAY BALL WEEKEND' also is a symbolic recognition of what MLB clubs do year-round to support the growth of youth baseball and softball in their respective communities and beyond. 
'PLAY BALL' is a joint initiative between MLB and USA Baseball. In addition to encouraging participation in both formal and casual baseball activities, 'PLAY BALL' aims to give kids the opportunity to enjoy the game in a fun environment by highlighting the many ways baseball can be played and providing memorable experiences; introduce young people to the sport who otherwise may not have the chance to experience it; and offer a healthy and active lifestyle options where many of those opportunities are being offered less frequently.
PlayBall.org is the 'PLAY BALL' initiative's online home and is accessible via MLB.com, USABaseball.com and other partner websites. PlayBall.org features youth-oriented content, including baseball trivia and quizzes, and video highlights from MLB games, social media content, photos and a "Play Ball Near You" interactive map that locates local community leagues. The site also features access to video podcasts and highlights from MLB Network's new youth-focused show "Play Ball," which features interviews and on-field demonstrations with top players throughout the League, including Nolan Arenado, Curtis Granderson, Matt Kemp, Francisco Lindor and Evan Longoria. "Play Ball" airs on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. ET. PlayBall.org also links to USABaseball.com, which provides players, parents and coaches with the information and resources to help with proper play and instruction, including education videos featuring Hall of Famer and MLB Network analyst John Smoltz, among others. Health and safety information, including through the Pitch Smart and Play Sun Smart programs, also is available.