MIAMI – The Miami Marlins Foundation and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital are continuing their commitment to provide young boys and girls across South Florida the opportunity to play the game they love. With the Marlins Youth Academy 2024 Spring Tee Ball Initiative, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, more than 3,500 kids from Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties will suit up in Marlins gear to play ball this spring.

Since its inaugural season in 2019, the Tee Ball Initiative has doubled in size and grown to include 257 teams across 25 leagues this spring.

"We are thrilled to begin another season of our annual Youth Academy Spring Tee Ball Initiative, and we cannot wait to see the smiles on these future All-Stars' faces as they continue to fall in love with our game. This initiative represents our unwavering commitment as an organization to growing and providing access to baseball at the local level," said Caroline O'Connor, Marlins President of Business Operations. "With Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital as our partner for this program, we are confident in our ability to leave a lasting impact on our local youth."

"We are proud to partner with the Miami Marlins Foundation in our shared commitment to providing children in our community the opportunity to play, grow and learn,” said Caitlin Stella, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital CEO. “Together with the Marlins Foundation, we are fostering wellness and social and emotional development as they learn to love the game. The Tee Ball Initiative allows children to develop teamwork, leadership, build their self-esteem and belong to a group. We are not only promoting health and physical activity, but also instilling important values and showing them that our community loves them and cares about their future."

Launched in 2019, the Tee Ball Initiative has seen more than 15,000 little leaguers take the field. The program aims to grow the game locally and alleviate some of the league costs in order to increase registration, interest and participation. It provides jersey shirts, hats and equipment to recreational tee ball programs across South Florida. Additionally, each registered player receives two complimentary ticket vouchers for a future Marlins home game, so they can experience the game at the highest level in person.

The Miami Marlins Foundation and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital celebrated the start of the spring season with a special Opening Day celebration at Howard Palmetto Baseball & Softball Association at Coral Reef Park on Saturday, February 10. Billy The Marlin joined the fun and festivities, making it a day to remember for all. Photos from the event can be found HERE.