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Nike has become the presenting sponsor of Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI). The program will now be referred to as Nike RBI. Find out more information here: https://www.mlb.com/news/nike-becomes-presenting-sponsor-of-rbi-program
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HONORING JACKIE ROBINSON'S LEGACY: FOB'S PDX MONARCHS AND THE FIGHT FOR ACCESS TO BASEBALL4/14/2023 On Jackie Robinson Day, we remember the momentous day in 1947 when Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, paving the way for future generations of Black players. However, in 2023, the struggle for access to play the game still persists, as highlighted by the story of the PDX Monarchs, a predominantly Black youth baseball team in Portland, Oregon.
In the summer of 2022, Friends of Baseball (FOB) and our Full Count RBI Baseball Academy organized summer skills workouts and skills camp for higher-level players in an effort to grow baseball feeder programs for Portland area schools and provide opportunities for young players to improve their skills. The camp aimed to fill the gap after Little League for players who could not afford to play on an independent team but had the passion and talent for the game. FOB was approached by Cleatis Goodlow, a community member and longtime advocate for Black baseball in Portland, who brought FOB's attention to the needs of a youth team in the community. This team, made up of 16 Black players in 2023, was facing the possibility of being split up due to boundary restrictions caused by gentrification. In the past, Portland's Little League teams were plentiful in North and Northeast Portland, providing access points for Black players in the neighborhood. However, with the changing demographics of the area, many Black families were displaced, resulting in limited opportunities for Black players to play baseball. To keep this team together, they were encouraged to go independent, but this required support and resources. Gerald Bolden, Director of Baseball Operations at FOB and a longtime member of the local baseball community, shared the team's story and pipeline concerns with key baseball supporters and players in the Northwest. Bolden said, "When kids get out of little league, there are no places for them to go unless they have $5000 a year to join a club team...This becomes an access issue... we want to work towards creating a pipeline so 12-year-olds who age out of little league and don't have a lot of money can still continue to play the game of baseball or softball." In December of 2022, Goodlow and Bolden came together to explore ways to provide resources and support to the team. Thanks to the efforts of FOB and other local networks, Friends of Baseball was able to help develop the PDX Monarchs, and this team is now able to go independent and continue playing together, with access to resources for tournaments and equipment. As an organization that promotes diversity, inclusion, and equality in baseball, Friends of Baseball is dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented youth to participate in the game. Director of Baseball Operations Gerald Bolden said, "As being a black person in a predominantly white sport, having coaches in front of kids that look like them is important because, growing up, if I saw someone like myself from the same neighborhood it would motivate me. I think there is a relatability factor when the coach looks like the players and there is more of an outlook of possibility.” FOB's Full Count RBI programs engage youth ballplayers in baseball/softball, fostering social involvement, providing resources, and teaching valuable skills to enhance their game. According to Executive Director Aaron Dickson, when asked about the benefits of participating in our Full Count RBI Programs/camps he said, "We aim to provide a sense of belonging. Our youth not only learn how to play the game the right way, but they also receive mentorship from our coach mentors who instill important life lessons." By joining our programs and camps, youth gain access to resources such as scholarships and equipment, empowering them to learn and play the game to their fullest potential. However, the challenges faced by the PDX Monarchs and other marginalized players are not limited to one season or one year. The fight for equal access to play baseball, regardless of race or background, is an ongoing struggle that requires continued support and efforts. In addition to honoring Jackie Robinson's legacy, Friends of Baseball (FOB) is also organizing a special fundraising campaign on Jackie Robinson Day. The goal is to have each individual donate $42, in honor of Robinson's iconic jersey number, to support FOB's ongoing efforts to provide resources and opportunities for marginalized youth players, including the PDX Monarchs. By donating $42 to FOB, you can help make a difference in the lives of young baseball players who face barriers to access and support. Your contribution will go towards providing equipment, funding tournaments, and supporting baseball programs for underprivileged players in the Portland area. Together, we can continue to carry on Jackie Robinson's legacy by breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and diverse baseball community. Join us in celebrating Jackie Robinson Day by donating $42 to FOB and showing your support for equal access to baseball for all players. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and help more young players, like the PDX Monarchs, continue their baseball journey. #JackieRobinsonDay #42forFOB #Swing4TheFences2 #EqualityinBaseball #BlackBaseballMatters DONATE HERE: https://www.friendsofbaseball.org/give.html or here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/143024165202927/600156235484002/ On Sunday, March 19th FOB returned back in person for our 16th Annual Coaches Clinic at McDaniel High School. It was great to see coaches from these leagues all represented at Sunday's event: Beaumont Softball, Cedar Mill LL, Hollywood Rose City LL, Lincoln Little League Softball, Lincoln Youth Baseball, North Portland LL, Parkside LL, Southwest Portland LL, Taborvilla LL, Tigard LL, and Wilshire Riverside LL. The clinic featured:
WE ARE HONORED TO SHARE THIS YEAR'S SWING FOR THE FENCES SPECIAL GUEST, BOB KENDRICK, PRESIDENT OF THE NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM. In March 2011, Bob Kendrick was named President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM). The NLBM is the world's only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its profound impact on the social advancement of America. Kendrick is the creator of many signature museum educational programs, including the Hall of Game, which honors former Major League Baseball greats who played the game in the spirit and signature style of the Negro Leagues. Kendrick began his association with the NLBM as a volunteer during his 10-year newspaper career with The Kansas City Star. In his nearly 5 years on the Museum's board, Kendrick served as Secretary/Treasurer and chaired the Membership and Event Planning committees. Bob Kendrick has become one of the leading authorities on the topic of Negro Leagues Baseball history and its connection to issues relating to sports, race, and diversity. In addition to his many industry honors and awards, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS  Full Count RBI afterschool SUN Enrichment Classes are starting this month at schools and Community Centers in Portland and Gresham. Serving elementary and middle school students, the Full Count RBI curriculum provides a fun "first exposure" to baseball/softball skills, plenty of active play, and opportunities for positive social engagement - delivered by caring, supportive coach/mentors. Our Halloween Distributions and Community Events coming up this fall will help foster family youth and youth in communities in and outside the Portland Metro area. Youth receive baseball-themed Halloween goodie bags to brighten the fall holiday season. Stay tuned for more information coming soon. HEADS UP...CHECK OUT OUR FALL NEWSLETTER! Read all about our upcoming events, our updates, and a message from our Executive Director. 
Game Change Announcement We would like to announce that the Swing for the Fences Gala will be moving to Spring 2023. We will send more updates and information as it becomes available. We thank you for your support as we work to create more opportunities for young ballplayers across the Northwest!  Play Ball Grand Ronde 2022 Thank you to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Recreation Program for an amazing time The clinic featured some of our FOB coaches leading activity stations, a FOB Activity Kit, and a ball park lunch. A huge thank you to our partners and counsel members, Michael Langley and Kathleen George, for making sure the Grand Ronde community has the opportunity to swing for the fences. Last week, over 70 of our FOB Full Count Baseball and Softball campers staff and RBI Fellows attended a Seattle Mariners game at T-Mobile Park. The experience provided some of our campers with their first ever Major League Baseball game! The field trip also featured:
The Seattle Mariners recognized Director of Baseball Operations Gerald Bolden, as one of the region’s most impactful members with their Hometown All-Stars program for his work in the community. 
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Friends of BaseballWe believe every child should have the opportunities to swing for the fences on the field and in life. Archives
May 2023
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