Practice began Monday at the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex Presented by Toyota for the Academy's softball team headed to the 2018 ASG Jennie Finch Classic in Washington D.C. from Thursday, July 12, through Tuesday, July 17.
Athletes who stood out while participating in Academy programming this spring comprise the squad making the trip. 
Additionally, a workout was held for those who played RBI last year or attended fall programming and were nominated by their coaches. 
"The team is incredibly dynamic with young ladies who can play multiple positions and bring a great deal of energy to the field. We will be one of the younger teams out there, but what we lack in experience we make up for in talent and attitude," said the Rangers Director of Youth Academy & Baseball/Softball Programs Juan Leonel Garciga, who will also serve as their coach for the experience. "The girls are putting in the work and will be ready to showcase their talent and represent the Rangers Academy proudly."
Eight teams of girls from MLB Youth Academies, MLB's RBI Program, Jennie Finch programming, and USA Softball will participate in the first ever competitive youth softball tournament as part of the 2018 All-Star Weekend. Major League Baseball and MLB Youth Softball Ambassador Jennie Finch will host the activities. 
Along with playing games and participating in an All-Star experience, the teams will have instruction from U.S. Olympian Jennie Finch and other USA Softball National Team players and coaches. 
The softball team won't be the only group representing the Academy in Washington D.C. 
Baseball players from Academy programming and RBI teams will participate in the 2018 Commissioner's Cup tournament during All-Star Week, Thursday, July 12, through Tuesday, July 17.
RBI Scheduling
With the Rangers RBI softball season beginning to wrap up, teams are looking ahead to the playoff tournament. The single elimination tournament will be held at the Academy on Saturday, June 30, followed by the championship on Monday, July 2. 
Details for RBI baseball playoffs will be announced in the coming weeks. 
There are currently 350 players in the RBI League baseball and softball program at the Academy, including 20 teams. The Jr. Division (15U) consists of three teams, the Senior Division (18U) has seven teams, and Softball 18U includes 10 teams.  
The current schedule for upcoming contests to be hosted at the Academy is below. Please note that the RBI schedule is subject to change.
6/23   9:00 AM   Generals   Mercy Street   Field of Dreams   Junior Div. (15U)
6/23   11:30 AM   Lancaster   Generals   Field of Dreams   Junior Div. (15U)
6/23   2:00 PM   Mercy Street   Lancaster   Field of Dreams   Junior Div. (15U)
6/23   9:00 AM   Bears   Academy   Oates Field   Senior Div. (18U)
6/23   11:30 AM   Mercy Street   Cougars   Oates Field   Senior Div. (18U)
6/23   2:00 PM   Vikings   Patriots   Oates Field   Senior Div. (18U)
6/23   9:00 AM   Raiders   Wildcats   Kershaw's Challenge Field   Softball Div. (18U)
6/23   9:00 AM   Spartans   West Dallas A's   Josh Hamilton Field   Softball Div. (18U)
6/23   11:30 AM   undefined   Timberwolves   Kershaw's Challenge Field   Softball Div. (18U)
6/23   11:30 AM   Panthers   Bulldogs   Josh Hamilton Field   Softball Div. (18U)
6/23   2:00 PM   Longhorns   Gators   Kershaw's Challenge Field   Softball Div. (18U)
6/25   7:00 PM   undefined   undefined   Oates Field   Senior Div. (18U)
6/25   7:00 PM   undefined   undefined   Field of Dreams   Senior Div. (18U)
6/26   7:00 PM   undefined   undefined   Oates Field   Junior Div. (15U)
6/26   7:00 PM   West Dallas A's   Raiders   Kershaw's Challenge Field   Softball Div. (18U)
6/26   7:00 PM   Wildcats   Panthers   Josh Hamilton Field   Softball Div. (18U)
6/27   7:00 PM   Bulldogs   Longhorns   Kershaw's Challenge Field   Softball Div. (18U)
For games played at Oates Field, the address is 2303 Bickers St., Dallas, TX 75212. Parking is available behind the building. 
For games played at Field of Dreams, Hamilton, and Kershaw's Challenge Field, the address is the 3500 Goldman St., Dallas, TX 75212. Parking is available in the lot in front of Kershaw's Challenge Field. 
Summer Campers
Through the second week of summer camp at the Rangers Academy, 518 athletes have participated in the free activities.
The five-week program runs through Thursday, July 12. Activities will take place Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with no camp on July 4.  
Baseball and softball players, ages 7 to 18, have the opportunity to work on hitting, fielding, defensive strategies, throwing, and all aspects of their sport with member of the Academy coaching staff. 
Registration is available at https://texasrangersya.leagueapps.com/camps. 
While programming may be located inside due to weather, parents and guardians will be notified in advance if weather should interfere with camps.