PLAY BALL Park

MLB’s Play Ball initiative is about inspiring everyone to join in the fun and play ball. This program – led by MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred – aims to introduce more kids to baseball and softball in all forms, no matter who they are, where they live or if they’re participating in an organized league. 

BaAM has worked closely with MLB to incorporate PLAY BALL Park as part of the League’s high-profile events like All-Star Week and the MLB Little League Classic.  The PLAY BALL Park attraction measures more than 145,000 sq. ft. and features a scaled baseball diamond as the primary programming space.  Celebrated professional players and Olympians have been known to join in the fun, taking part in demonstrations, clinics, training opportunities, and organized games.  Special guests have included Roberto Alomar, Roberto Clemente Jr., as well as softball pitching greats Lisa Fernandez and Jennie Finch.  In addition to the scheduled programming, kids can join in free play opportunities on the PLAY BALL Diamond and at interactive games testing batting, pitching, and stickball skills. 

According to Manfred, “Play Ball is [the League’s] largest effort to grow baseball and softball at the grassroots level, particularly among kids. The program will emphasize not only organized baseball and softball activity, but also the many variations of the game that do not require 18 players, umpires or a diamond.”