Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) announced in June a renewal of support by USCM for the “PLAY BALL” initiative with PLAY BALL SUMMER. PLAY BALL SUMMER is an effort by more than 200 Mayors from the United States and Puerto Rico to host “PLAY BALL”-themed, youth-focused events in their communities from June through August 2016. Tomorrow, August 19, the Dodgers and Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office will partner to celebrate PLAY BALL SUMMER at Montecito Heights Recreation Center, 4545 Homer Street in Los Angeles, at 6:00 p.m.

“Dodger baseball is in L.A.’s DNA and Play Ball brings the fun and excitement right into our communities,” said Mayor Garcetti. “I’m proud to partner in giving our young people and their families this opportunity to learn from the best while enjoying healthy recreation.”

More than 200 youngsters and adults are expected to partake in PLAY PALL SUMMER tomorrow which will include a clinic with Dodger alum Kenny Landreaux and Dodger gifts. This effort is a continuation of USCM’s support for the “PLAY BALL” initiative, a joint program from MLB, USA Baseball and USA Softball that focuses on the fun nature of baseball and encourages widespread participation in baseball-related activities.

PLAY BALL is a joint initiative between MLB, USA Baseball and USA Softball.  In addition to encouraging participation in both formal and casual baseball and softball activities, PLAY BALL aims to give kids the opportunity to enjoy the game in a fun environment by highlighting the many ways baseball and softball can be played and providing memorable experiences; introduce young people to the sport who otherwise may not have the chance to experience it; and offer a healthy and active lifestyle options where many of those opportunities are being offered less frequently.

PlayBall.org is the PLAY BALL initiative’s online home and is accessible via MLB.com, USABaseball.com, USASoftball.com and other partner websites. PlayBall.org features youth-oriented content, including baseball trivia and quizzes, and video highlights from MLB games, social media content, photos and a “PlayBall Near You” interactive map that locates local community leagues. The site also features access to video podcasts and highlights from MLB Network’s new youth-focused show “Play Ball,” which features interviews and on-field demonstrations with top players throughout the League, including Nolan Arenado, Josh Donaldson, Todd Frazier, Curtis Granderson, Matt Kemp, Francisco Lindor, Evan Longoria and Dustin Pedroia.

“Play Ball” airs on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. ET.  PlayBall.org also links to USABaseball.com, which provides players, parents and coaches with the information and resources to help with proper play and instruction, including education videos featuring Hall of Famer and MLB Network analyst John Smoltz, Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon, and Kansas City Royals Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Dayton Moore, among others. Health and safety information, including through the Pitch Smart and Play Sun Smart programs, also is available.

(Article courtesy of Dodgers PR Department)