ABOVE VIDEO:The videos will be used throughout the month on the city’s website and social media pages to promote the initiative.(Palm Bay Florida Video)
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Mayor William Capote announced Palm Bay’s partnership with Major League Baseball and the U.S. Conference of Mayors to become a “Play Ball” City.
The mayor will make the official proclamation at Thursday’s regular council meeting in which the month of August will be designated as “Play Ball Month” in the city.
The initiative promotes baseball related activities to engage children, citizens, families and city departments to organize individual and community-based, baseball and softball related events.
Palm Bay’s events will kick off with the mayor’s proclamation and special recognition for Palm Bay’s Fast Pitch Little League Softball Major All Stars who placed 5th in the State of Florida.
Play Ball Month also features a special Pitch, Hit and Run event on August 8th beginning at 9 a.m. at the Liberty Park Sports Complex. This event is for boys and girls ages 6-14.
On August 29th at 10 a.m. Space Coast Stadium and the Brevard County Manatees will feature a Space Coast League All-Start Game.
Later that evening the Manatees will host a Youth Baseball Clinic from 5-6 p.m. followed by the Brevard County Manatees home game at 6:30 including post-game fireworks.
William Capote
“Baseball is the great American Pastime and is so rich with nostalgia,” Mayor Capote said.
“It helps unite communities and families and I hope everyone will come out and participate in one of these events and also take the opportunity during the month to sign up for a league. It’s all about just getting out there and playing the game, so let’s ‘Play Ball’ Palm Bay!”
Mayor Capote also sought help from a few Major League Baseball players to promote the effort.
San Francisco Giants Pitcher and Palm Bay native Chris Heston recently recorded a video promo to help spread the word.
He was joined by fellow Giants Pitcher Tim Hudson and members of the Palm Bay West Little League.
Palm Bay joins more than 125 cities around the country participating with Major League and Minor League Baseball to promote the sport and increase participation for future generations of the game.
To learn more visit playball.org and playpalmbay.org where you can find coaching tips, parent resources and information about Palm Bay’s baseball and softball leagues for all ages including seniors.
Robert D.Manfred Jr.
“For decades, baseball has had a unique ability to bring communities together, and today, Major League Baseball is seeking to strengthen that connection between our sport and cities across the country through our new PLAY BALL initiative,” said Baseball Commissioner Robert D.Manfred, Jr.
“We are thrilled to begin this new and innovative partnership with Minor League Baseball and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and I thank all the mayors who have stepped up to support this effort to provide fun experiences for kids and families during PLAY BALL Month.”
