Kids In CrisisOpen a Door To a Great Future

Major League Baseball

Kids and baseball – it's a natural fit. That's why the partnership between Major League Baseball® and Boys & Girls Clubs of America is such a winning combination.

Since MLB™ designated BGCA as an official charitable partner in 1997, this highly successful relationship has given countless children the chance to realize their dreams both on and off the field.

The Major League Baseball®  commitment to kids and BGCA is deep and far-reaching. From high-impact programs introducing kids to baseball, to national awareness campaigns, to once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Club members, the multi-faceted partnership has positively impacted the entire Boys & Girls Club Movement.

The dynamic RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program has created baseball and softball leagues in more than 200 communities worldwide, creating opportunities for thousands of kids each year. All RBI leagues incorporate SportSMART, a special life skills curriculum adapted from BGCA's SMART Moves program, to teach young players about responsible behavior and decision-making.

In 2010, Major League Baseball and Boys & Girls Clubs of America launched a new national fitness program called MLB Wanna Play?^TM. The program allows co-ed youth, ages 6-12, to improve their health and fitness while learning the fundamental skills of baseball through fun and enriching activities.

Each year, BGCA enjoys nationwide exposure through an MLB-produced public service campaign featuring players and Club youth that is televised nationally and locally. These popular spots generate invaluable awareness for the Boys & Girls Club brand. In addition to the advertising campaign valued at $25 million plus annually, BGCA has benefited from some $20 million in direct and indirect funding generated by Major League Baseball over the last decade.

A key reason for the partnership's success is the deep, personal connection so many big leaguers have with Boys & Girls Clubs. Club alumni include past greats like Joe DiMaggio, Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, Brooks Robinson, Harold Reynolds, Tino Martinez and Luis Gonzalez, and current stars such as CC Sabathia, Jimmy Rollins, Alex Rodriguez, Dontrelle Willis, Grady Sizemore and Dan Haren. Others like Hank Aaron, Cal Ripken Jr., Ken Griffey Jr. and Shane Victorino actively support today's Clubs.

5% of Club members are less than 6 years of age.