Twelve student-athletes from across the country awarded college scholarships through participation in Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program

Major League Baseball Properties (MLB) and KPMG LLP have awarded twelve college scholarships, worth $5,000 each per year, to select high school seniors participating in the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program presented by KPMG. The "RBI for RBI" Scholarship Fund presented by KPMG is an initiative created in 2008 by MLB and KPMG to provide financial support for selected college bound student-athletes who participate in an RBI league. In addition to an initial endowment, both MLB and KPMG support the fund through donations of $1 for each Run Batted In (RBI) throughout the Major League Baseball Regular Season. Scholarships are awarded on the merits of financial need, academic achievement, leadership skills and community service.

This year's recipients include: Alberto Benejan (Tampa, FL, 17), Tampa RBI; Pierre Bowles (Fayetteville, GA, 18), Atlanta RBI; Mark Brown (Detroit, MI, 18), Detroit RBI; George Cooper (Little Rock, AR, 18), Little Rock RBI; Sarah Etuk (New York, NY, 18), Harlem RBI; Dwight Hill (Cincinnati, OH, 17), Cincinnati RBI; Philip Loprete (Bellerose, NY, 18), Greater New York RBI; Obioma Obiaguzor (Miami, FL, 18), Florida Marlins RBI; PaLaura Parker (Cincinnati, OH, 18), Cincinnati Reds RBI; Cecilie Taylor (Richmond Heights, OH, 17), Cleveland RBI; Ian Trembly (Spring Hill, KS, 18), Kansas City RBI; and Rochelle Williams (Hollywood, FL, 18), Florida Marlins RBI.

"Major League Baseball is proud to acknowledge and honor the young men and women who have been awarded 'RBI for RBI' scholarships," said Tom Brasuell, Vice President, Community Affairs, Major League Baseball. "Through the RBI program, these student-athletes have been brought one step closer to the opportunity of a college-level education. We thank KPMG for joining Major League Baseball in supporting the on and off-field accomplishments and aspirations of these RBI participants."

In addition to financial assistance, KPMG will assign a mentor to each award recipient. This mentor will be a KPMG employee who has recently graduated from college and will offer support, guidance and encouragement to the student as they transition to their new school. The "RBI for RBI" Scholarship Fund presented by KPMG is administered by Major League Baseball Properties and is funded entirely by contributions from KPMG and MLB. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate need through Pell Grant eligibility, and will be given the opportunity to renew their scholarships until their post-secondary education is complete for up to four years.

The RBI program welcomed KPMG as its presenting sponsor and a new official sponsor of Major League Baseball in 2007. KPMG is committed to helping expand and enhance the program through financial contributions, management assistance, and volunteer hours.

About Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) presented by KPMG
RBI presented by KPMG is one of many Major League Baseball initiatives dedicated to enhancing youth participation and interest in baseball and softball. RBI is designed to provide young people opportunities to play baseball and softball, encourage academic success and teach the value of teamwork. RBI programs have been started in nearly 200 cities worldwide, and this year is projected to provide as many as 175,000 boys and girls the opportunity to play baseball and softball. For more information, please visit: www.mlb.com/rbi.

About KPMG
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International's member firms have 123,000 professionals, including more than 7,100 partners, in 145 countries.