WHY RBI?
RBI is a youth outreach program designed to promote interest in baseball while increasing the self-esteem of disadvantaged children and encouraging kids to stay in school and off the streets. RBI has baseball and softball programs in 185 cities worldwide, reaching more than 120,000 boys and girls.
RBI was founded in 1989 in South Central Los Angeles by former Major League baseball player John Young. The program was designed not only to encourage participation in the game of baseball, but also to provided young people with a positive team-oriented activity that would keep them off the streets while challenging their minds and bodies. In 1991, Major League Baseball assumed the administration of RBI and initially, in conjunction with the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, made startup grants to RBI programs around the world. Each RBI chapter is now responsible for raising its own funds.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL'S GOALS FOR RBI
• Increase participation and interest in baseball.
• Encourage academics participation and achievement.
• Promote greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game.
• Develop self-esteem and teach the value of teamwork.
• Increase the number of talented athletes prepared to play in college and the minor leagues.
NASHVILLE RBI
Nashville RBI was launched in 1996 when a grant from Major League Baseball made possible the purchase of equipment and uniforms, Over the years, the program has been funded by the private donors, corporate sponsors, and the Andrew Jackson Boys & Girls Club. Nashville RBI has grown tremendously since its inception, now serving more than 1,000 boys and girls ages five to 14. In addition to coaches, ball fields, and umpires, the program provides the kids with all of the necessary tools to play the game, including bats, gloves, uniforms and safety equipment.
RBI LEADERSHIP
From the beginning, the Nashville RBI program has been run by Reggie Whittemore, a former minor league player for the Boston Red Sox. One of the best baseball players Nashville has ever produced, Whittemore was a state champion at McGavock High School and is a member of the David Lipscomb University athletic Hall of Fame, having led the Bisons to two national championships. In January of 2003, Whittemore was honored by Nashville Sports Council with the "Community Spirit Award" for his work with Nashville RBI. He was also the recipient of the Reese L. Smith Jr. Award: Outstanding Contribution and Service in Sports in 2005.
OFF THE FIELD
The off-the-field benefits of the RBI program are the true measure of the program's success. Here in Nashville and nationwide, participants learn life skills through Quick SMART!, a program developed by the Boys & Girls Club of America. Developed for RBI, Quick/SMART! addresses the issues of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and HIV/AIDS prevention and education for 13 - to 18 year olds. Local RBI programs are also provided with a community version of Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In LIfe, a charter education program based on the values demonstrated by Jackie Robinson. It is designed to teach children the values and traits they will need to deal with obstacles and challenges in their lives.
"I have been a supporter of Nashville RBI for several years now. It has been a great pleasure to see Reggie's determined efforts with the kids as the program has grown. They are learning about baseball, of course, but the broader emphasis on life skills and good citizenship is most important of all."
In addition to monetary contributions, Nashville RBI accepts in-kind donations from local companies. Powell Building Group, for example, donated labor and equipment to build the kids batting cages. |
