A group of local youth recently took center stage at the Durham Bulls on Friday, August 7, 2015. Players from the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League (DBYAL) Blue Jays were celebrated as part of the Play Ball initiative, a joint venture between Major League Baseball and USA Baseball. Play Ball is a comprehensive website with educational resources for coaches, umpires, parents and players.
The official website of Major League Baseball gave the evening’s special recognition some press. Spencer Fordin penned “Play Ball initiative celebrated in Durham,” which posted on the site after the game.
- Read the entire article: MLB.com – Play Ball initiative celebrated in Durham
The Blue Jays received on-field recognition, stood with the Durham Bulls during the national anthem. Durham Mayor Bill Bell participated in the pre-game ceremony to honor the young players and the DBYAL.
In the article, Fordin quoted Bulls’ manager Mike Birling:
“We are honored to share with Mayor Bell in recognizing a team from our very own Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League as we kick off ‘Play Ball Month’ in Durham,” said Bulls general manager Mike Birling. “These kids are the future of our great game, and highlighting their passion for baseball is inspiring to us all.”
DBYAL serves a diverse population of over 500 youth in inner city Durham. The community-based, non-profit, youth sports organization provides recreational baseball free-of-charge to youngsters in the City of Durham. Supported by the Durham Bulls, the program serves boys and girls ages 5 to 12.
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Thanks to CS’ George Habel for this capcom scoop.