By Gordon “Goody” Tate
Twelve youth baseball and softball leagues in Northeast Ohio to receive support and resources from Guardians for 2024 season
May 20, 2024
Cleveland, OH – Cleveland Guardians Charities today announced the 12 Northeast Ohio leagues participating in PlayBall! CLE for the 2024 season. PlayBall! CLE is an initiative of Cleveland Guardians Charities that provides financial support and educational resources strictly to underserved baseball, softball and adaptive organizations throughout Northeast Ohio. Cleveland-Cliffs continues its support as the presenting partner of PlayBall! CLE.
“We’ve been affiliated with Play Ball! CLE for three years now. Beyond the financial support, the coach trainings, youth baseball and softball clinics, MLB game tickets and Slider the mascot appearances, Cleveland Guardians Charities has helped us create a fun and welcoming environment for our families” said Keri Palma, Senior Director, Near West Recreation. “This program helps us subsidize league fees, purchase high quality uniforms and replenish aging equipment.”
Youth baseball and softball leagues are eligible to receive PlayBall! CLE grants and other resources after making a commitment to providing access and opportunity for youth of all ages, regardless of background, demographic and accessibility needs.
“The philosophy of the Baseball Heritage Museum Buckeyes Travel Baseball program is to ensure that all participants have an opportunity to develop baseball skills in a competitive environment with an emphasis on fundamentals and having fun” said Jay Murphy, Director of Baseball Activities, Baseball Heritage Museum. “Play Ball! CLE plays a large part in ensuring we remove barriers and host comprehensive programs to players of all ages throughout Northeast Ohio & the City of Cleveland.”
For the 2024 season, Guardians players such as Trevor Stephan, Josh Naylor, Bo Naylor, Gabriel Arias, Shane Bieber, Andrés Giménez and José Ramírez will contribute to Cleveland Guardians Charities and/or serve as Guardians Youth Baseball and Softball Ambassadors with a goal of connecting and supporting the diverse group of young athletes involved in all of the Guardians youth baseball and softball programs.
The partnership between Cleveland Guardians Charities and local youth leagues involves an astounding list of benefits to increase representation and grow baseball and softball in marginalized and underrepresented communities. Through this program, Cleveland Guardians Charities provides exclusive access to the Guardians brand, with limited use of team logos and recognition on the Cleveland Guardians website and social media platforms. Leagues will have the opportunity to enjoy unmatched educational programing in conjunction with MLB- and club-affiliated partners such as USA Baseball, Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society and the Positive Coaching Alliance. Additionally, Play Ball! CLE leagues will be invited to Progressive Field home games and exclusive events.
2024 PlayBall! CLE Affiliate T-Ball, Baseball and Softball Leagues:
- B Buzz Baseball League
- Baseball Heritage Museum
- Maple Heights Boys League
- Near West Recreation
- OBALL
- Roberto Clemente Baseball League
- Tri-League Little League
- West Denison Baseball Leagues, Inc.
2024 PlayBall! CLE Adaptive Leagues:
- Achievement Centers for Children
- Empower Sports
- Miracle League of Lake County
- Special Olympics Ohio
COURTESY CLEVELAND GUARDIANS MEDIA RELATIONS
