Events - Friends of Baseball & Softball

Play Softball Portland

Friends of Baseball & Softball's 4th Annual Play Softball Portland is a free community event designed to introduce girls to the game of softball in a fun, welcoming, and empowering environment. Hosted by Friends of Softball in partnership with Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, the Seattle Mariners, and the Portland Cascade, the event provides girls ages 5–12 an opportunity to learn fundamental skills, build confidence, and connect with positive role models through sport.

More than just a clinic, Play Softball Portland serves as an entry point into a broader pathway of opportunities for girls. Participants are introduced to local programs, mentors, and resources that help them stay active, build friendships, and continue their development both on and off the field. By removing barriers to participation and creating positive first experiences, Play Softball Portland is helping inspire the next generation of players, leaders, and changemakers.

Sunday, June 14, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Grant High School
2245 NE 36th Ave, Portland, OR 97212

Compete. Get Seen. Earn Your Opportunity.

Friends of Baseball is proud to present the 2026 Under the Lights Showcase, an evening dedicated to providing high school baseball players with an opportunity to compete, showcase their skills, and take the next step in their athletic journey.

More than a showcase, this event is rooted in a legacy of creating opportunity.

The name UNDER THE LIGHTS pays tribute to a groundbreaking moment in baseball history. In 1930, years before any Major League team played a night game, the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues began competing under portable lights. What started as a practical solution to help working-class families attend games became a transformative innovation that expanded access to the sport and changed baseball forever.

Night baseball wasn't created for convenience, it was created to open doors.

That same spirit continues today.

At Friends of Baseball, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to be seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. The Under the Lights Showcase honors that tradition by creating a space where athletes can demonstrate their abilities, compete alongside their peers, and gain exposure in a positive and competitive environment.

Event Highlights
* Skill Evaluations
* Defensive Workouts
* Hitting Evaluations
* Athletic Testing
* Live Competition
* Exposure to Coaches and Evaluators
* Development-Focused Instruction

Who Can Participate?

The showcase is open to **high school baseball players ages 14–18** who are looking to challenge themselves, improve their skills, and compete against athletes from across the region.

Why We Do It

For more than 20 years, Friends of Baseball has worked to create opportunities for young people on and off the field. While baseball serves as our platform, our mission is rooted in helping youth build confidence, leadership skills, meaningful relationships, and pathways to future success.

Under the Lights reflects that commitment.
Because every athlete deserves the opportunity to step into the spotlight.

Registration
Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
Register today and join us for an evening of competition, community, and opportunity.
Compete. Get Seen. Earn Your Opportunity.

MLB Play Ball Weekend
Friends of Baseball is proud to partner with the Hillsboro Hops, to bring an exciting and engaging Play Ball Weekend experience to our community.
This free event is designed to introduce youth to the game in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment. Participants will rotate through a series of elementary-level skill stations led by experienced coaches and mentors, focused on building confidence, fundamentals, and a love for the game.
Each participant will also receive a special Play Ball swag bag, including items generously provided by our partners—featuring gear from the Hillsboro Hops, Friends of Baseball, and Adidas, including event t-shirts.
Spots are limited and pre-registration is required for all participants.

Full Count Play Ball Clinics – Spring 2026
Friends of Baseball is excited to offer our Full Count Play Ball Clinics this spring, designed to introduce youth to baseball and softball in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment.
Whether your child is trying the game for the first time or looking to build on existing skills, these clinics provide a positive space to learn, grow, and stay active. No prior experience is required.

Program Overview: Each clinic session is led by trained coach-mentors and focuses on developing fundamental skills through structured activities and gameplay. Participants will rotate through stations that emphasize:

Throwing and catching
Hitting fundamentals
Base running and movement
Teamwork and confidence-building

All equipment is provided. Participants should come prepared to be active and engaged.

Location: The Courts at Clear Creek
334 NE 219th Ave
Gresham, OR 97030

Dates and Times: Saturdays in April 2026

Grades K–2: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Grades 3–5: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Cost: These clinics are offered at no cost to families through a partnership between Friends of Baseball and the City of Gresham.

Registration: Participants should register based on their current grade level to ensure age-appropriate instruction.
REGISTER TODAY

Additional Opportunity: All clinic participants will receive an invitation to register for Play Ball Gresham, the City’s largest annual baseball and softball community event.

About Friends of BaseballFriends of Baseball uses sport as a vehicle to support youth development, build confidence, and create access to opportunities for all young people, both on and off the field.

Get in touch

Upcoming Events

Under the Lights Showcase 2026

Let's Play Ball! Play Ball Weekend with the Hillsboro Hops | Saturday, June 5th

Play Ball Free Community Clinics

MLB NIKE RBI REGIONAL

Annual Coaches Clinic