Baseball is an expensive sport to play because of the equipment costs related to running a team or even just outfitting your son for one season. Whenever there is an opportunity to give the equipment away then MS RBI will do just that.

The helmets were given to Provine high school, Callaway high school and Forest Hill high school because those three schools team colors match the helmets.  The helmets were solid navy or soid red.

“I wish we had maroon for Lanier or royal blue for Wingfield and Murrah, but we are pleased to be able to save at lest these three schools a couple hundred dollars from their baseball budgets,” said MS RBI Executive Director Brian Emory.  ”We always want to be good stewards of the equipment donations made and this was a case where we could give practically brand new professional baseball equipment to the high schools that make up a lot of our RBI summer league rosters.”

From left: Forest Hill head coach Les Kelly, senior catcher Eddie Steele, assistant coach Chuck Crouch holding the six brand new batting helmets.

  
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The three-day tournament allowed each of the 16 pilot cities for Jr RBI to play against each other in a non-competitive format.  Jackson RBI played Detroit, Dallas, Cleveland, and Bradenton (Tampa).

But is wasn’t all about playing baseball.  This life-changing trip and eye-opening experience is something the kids will never forget.  The kids met numerous current and former Major Leaguer’s and also local celebrities.

The 11-12 yr old Jackson RBI Cubs  included Devon Mannery, Robert Lard, Adarian Beamon, Xavier Louisville, Corbin Johnson, Thomas Cain, Chris Williams, Andre Norman, Donavan Lewis, Bobby Foster, Trey Gooden, and Timmy Crump.

Coaches brought their summer league teams from all over the metro area. Cedric Hull and Desmond Funchess brought their teams from the city league at Grove Park to participate.  The Jackson Boys and Girls Club brought over 30 kids to learn th basics of the game of baseball from the Ripken Foundation instructors.

Former Callaway HS star and minor league baseball veteran Javerro January (middle) discussing outfield defense with players from Terry and Callaway

JSU Athletic Director and Jr. RBI Director, as well as several local college baseball players and even two former major leaguers, gave of their time to serve as instructors.  Six Jackson Public Schools (JPS) schools were represented with players attending from Wingfield, Lanier, Callaway, Provine, Murrah, and Bailey. Terry High School, which is in Hinds County was also represented.

Lanier Head Coach and former professional baseball player (catcher) Jessie Jones (in maroon) going over the value of tee work with players from Murrah and Wingfield

Former Major League Baseball players Mike “Double-O” Smith and Dwight Taylor took the time to lend hands-on instruction and each told of the life lessons they learned from the game.

Former big league pitcher Mike "Double-O" Smith worked with every pitcher at the clinic

A big thank you from everyone at Mississippi RBI and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation goes out to all the moms and dads for bringing their kids, even with the chance of rain in the forecast, JSU employee Carl Roberts, Jessie Jones, Dewitt Robinson, Ben Seepe, Malcolm McCoy, Jason Johnson, Jeff Childress, Javerro January, Charles Collins, Cedric Bynum, Rondale Ragsdale, Myron Bowens, Nancy Flowers, and Heather Emory.  I hope I didn’t forget anyone!

Here is a great story from MLB.com about the 20th anniversary party.  Be sure to read the quotes from LA Dodger players James Loney and James McDonald, who both credit RBI for their career in professional baseball.

RBI celebrates 20 years in style