MIAMI – In an ongoing effort to alleviate the costs of playing ball, the Miami Marlins launched the Equipment Grant as part of the Miami Marlins Youth Baseball Initiative. Youth sports organizations in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach County with baseball, softball and tee ball leagues will receive official Marlins branded balls. Organizations are eligible to request a dozen baseballs, softballs or tee balls per registered team in their program. To apply, leagues and teams must visit Marlins.com/Equipment.

On Monday, May 13, Marlins Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities (RBI) presented by University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute will begin play to open the 2019 season. A special Opening Day ceremony will take place at Miami Lakes Optimist Park (6411 NW 162 ST, Miami Lakes, FL, 33014) at 7 p.m. This summer, more than 35 teams will compete in the Marlins RBI program for a chance to make it to the RBI Southeast Regional tournament and the RBI World Series. In 2015, the Marlins RBI Senior baseball team won the Southeast Regional Championship and the World Series Championship.

Marlins RBI is an invitational sports-based youth program designed to promote interest in baseball, academic achievement and social responsibility in underserved areas of South Florida. The program offers free, instructional and competitive summer baseball & fastpitch softball for youth ages 13-18.

The Marlins supply uniforms, umpires and equipment to more than 500 youth annually for this program. Participants enjoy a fun and competitive summer league in addition to clinics hosted by Marlins players and alumni. Players can also take part in a career workshop series, an on-field recognition ceremony during RBI Night at Marlins Park on July 13, and the opportunity to be selected for the RBI All-Star team.

For more information, please visit Marlins.com/PlayBall.