LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Major League Baseball and the NFCA will team up for a free event for local youth on Feb. 9, the day before the Division I Leadoff Classic begins at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Florida.
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“We are thrilled to partner with MLB on this special initiative, bringing softball to all communities,” said NFCA Executive Director Carol Brueggemann. “MLB provides unique, fun opportunities for young athletes through their PLAY BALL events. The positive relationships between collegiate student-athletes, coaches and eager young athletes reflect why the sport of softball thrives. I can’t think of a better event to kick off the Division I softball season than our Leadoff Classic, as the passion and enthusiasm surrounding this event will be mind-blowing. MLB has made a huge commitment to growing diamond sports at the grassroots level. We appreciate their support of the NFCA and the sport of softball.”
“Having the opportunity to partner with an organization like the NFCA to provide a free opportunity for youth in the community is such an exciting way to kick off the D1 college softball season,” said David, vice president of baseball and softball development at Major League Baseball James. “It’s an honor for young people to have a unique introduction to the sport through an event like PLAY BALL that gets them excited about the game and helps build the greater baseball and softball community.”
Registration for the 3:45pm event will begin at 3:15 and is open to participants who are in grades K-6. No previous baseball or softball experience or equipment is necessary. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet student-athletes from the Leadoff Classic teams. All event participants will receive a special co-branded NFCA/MLB PLAY BALL t-shirt, wristband and bat and ball kit to take home, plus a treat from Kona Ice.
“The NFCA is an outstanding organization and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work together in building this community of current and future softball players by providing free youth events like PLAY BALL,” said Sarah Padove, Major League Baseball manager Baseball and Softball Development. “We are so excited to kick off the D1 college softball season with the NFCA Leadoff Classic and this event.”
Seventy-five student-athletes from the 16 participating teams are scheduled to help out at the event and will sign autographs afterward.
Click HERE to register for the event.
