The D-backs Nike RBI baseball and softball teams, composed of thirty-two All-Star players, are set for an exciting visit to Chase Field tomorrow. Although the players believe they are coming to watch batting practice and that evening’s game, they will be surprised by D-backs Nike MLB RBI Ambassador Corbin Carroll, who will present them with custom Diamondbacks Nike uniforms, including jerseys, caps, pants, cleats, and backpacks. This special event comes as the teams prepare for the Nike RBI Regionals next week in Seattle.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Carroll, who has been actively involved with the Nike RBI Junior program during the off-season, will join this year’s All-Stars for the surprise. Following this, both teams will be recognized during a “Nike RBI Regional Sendoff” pregame ceremony on the field.
Selected by Diamondbacks Baseball Academy coaches, the All-Star players come from over a dozen high schools across Arizona, including Alhambra, Betty Fairfax, Camelback, Carl Hayden, Central, Cesar Chavez, Cibola, Gila Ridge, Marcos De Niza, Maryvale, North, PXU Digital, San Luis, Sierra Linda, South Mountain, Tolleson, Trevor G. Browne, and Younker.
The Diamondbacks Nike RBI program, available for youth ages 5-18 through Boys & Girls Clubs, aims to provide baseball and softball opportunities to underserved communities while promoting academic achievement and teamwork. The summer leagues for older kids offer inner-city students the chance to travel and play season games at D-backs Major League facilities.
The West regional tournament will host 18 teams from seven states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.
The team that emerges victorious in the West Regional in Seattle will earn a trip to the RBI World Series in Vero Beach, Florida.
Arizona’s team boasts significant representation from Yuma, with five players. James Kuzniak, head coach of the Gila Ridge “D-backs,” shared with Scott Gross at KYMA, “We didn’t expect to have that many players selected since only 16 make the team, but it goes to show the level of talent we have in Yuma County, and this will open up so many doors for them both on and off the field.”
This year marks the third time the Diamondbacks have fielded an RBI team. Last year, Arizona won the West Regional and finished in the top five at the Florida championship.
