Detroit Tigers and Nike to Celebrate “Play Ball Detroit” Success

• End of the year celebration to be held at William Clay Ford Baseball Field on September 9

On September 9, the Detroit Tigers Foundation’s Play Ball Detroit initiative – powered by Nike – will officially conclude its first year of programming efforts during a youth-focused End of Year Celebration at William Clay Ford Baseball Field in Detroit.

In June, the Detroit Tigers launched Play Ball Detroit with the support of Nike. The grassroots initiative aims to provide equitable access to baseball and softball for thousands of children across the city of Detroit.

Saturday’s celebratory event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the impact of Play Ball Detroit, and for approximately 60 youth participants from neighborhoods across Detroit the chance to interact with current Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo. Renovated in 2015, William Clay Ford Baseball Field is built on the grounds where Willie Horton played baseball as a child.

“We are thrilled to gather with youth and community members from neighborhoods across Detroit to celebrate the success of this incredible initiative on Saturday,” said Kevin Brown, Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “In its first year, Play Ball Detroit delivered big on a central tenet of our mission to inspire children through access and opportunity in the game, and we are looking forward to the continual growth of this grassroots initiative.”

About Play Ball Detroit

Through Play Ball Detroit, the Tigers and Nike spearheaded support for hyper-local and low-cost programs engaging nearly 3,000 young Detroiters in baseball or softball. Engagements with teams included a citywide Tiny Tigers program and Tigers Nike RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) – a collective of travel baseball and softball teams from the city.

In totality, Play Ball Detroit invested more than $250,000 from the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Nike, which covered the costs for uniforms and equipment, field clean-up efforts, clinics and tournament travel, local Opening Day ceremonies and more.

This year Play Ball Detroit inspired nearly 3,000 children from six partner organizations across Detroit to dream big through the power of Tigers baseball. To learn more about Play Ball Detroit, visit www.PlayBallDetroit.com.

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