#UnidosPeloBeisebol – Brazil
We are thrilled to announce the first Project Béisbol – MLBPAA Brazil Baseball Tour – “Unidos pelo Beisebol” – in partnership with U.S. Consulate General in Recife, CBBS – Brazilian Baseball and Softball Confederation as well as dozens of other baseball, softball, education, charity, government and community collaborators. This tour was led by five ex-MLB stars, including two of the great Brazilian baseball pioneers Andre Rienzo and Paulo Orlando. We were also honored to have former MLB Pedro Feliz from the DR, Desmond “Desi” Relaford from the USA and Marvin Benard from Nicaragua help lead this unique tour offering youth clinics, coach training workshops and equipment donations. The event was inspired by the abundant passion and insatiable drive of Brazilian and Venezuelan volunteers and community leaders who fight every day to keep the sport alive. We have got your back, and we will never give up until every kid has the right to play the sport they love. This milestone event is just the beginning of a long journey to create the foundations, community and unity for baseball and softball to thrive across Brazil.
#UnidosPorElBéisbol – Colombia
For the second year in a row, we partnered with the MLBPAA on a three-city tour in Colombia to offer youth clinics and coach workshops led by ex-MLB stars Hensley Meulens, Desmond “Desi” Relaford, Sugar Ray Marimón, Marvin Benard and Mario Diaz! This year, we visited baseball strongholds Cartagena and Barranquilla, and ventured eastward to Santa Marta where baseball and softball held great potential to impact the youth and create opportunities. Baseball and Softball had come far in recent years in Colombia, but there was a long way to go to achieve equal access and fair processes for all. We kept working together to get it done for the kids – united! Thanks to all the government, institutional, baseball, and community entities that came together to make this happen. And, of course, thanks to all the amazing volunteers across the country who are the soul of the sport!