BGCGG Members Chosen to Star in MLB Commercial

Our Main Branch club was flooded with excitement on Tuesday when it was announced that a casting company was coming to the Club to hold auditions for a Major League Baseball (MLB) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) public service announcement. A few members would be selected to do a PSA with Angles' right fielder Vladimir Guerrero and Twins' pitcher Johan Santana.

Wednesday was filled with nerves and anticipation as the members reviewed the scripts and practiced their lines. Ultimately three members were selected to attend the filming on Saturday, Ifran V. from Santiago High, Lincoln F. from Alamitos Intermediate, and Florencia A. from Main Branch.

Each member did a tremendous job showcasing their talent. Filming went great and the players were warm, friendly, and especially TALL! It truly was an opportunity and experience of a lifetime. Watch carefully during the World Series this year to get a glimpse of our members!

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For nearly 17 years, the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program has touched the lives of thousands of young people, providing them with an organized and safe way to learn and play baseball and softball. Since its origins in the South Central section of Los Angeles, RBI programs have been started in 200 cities worldwide. More than 120,000 young people learn not only baseball and softball skills, but important life skills as well.

Major League Baseball took over the RBI program in 1991 to assist communities in creating a more positive environment through baseball. Since the partnership between Major League Baseball and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) was formed in 1997, more than 116 new RBI programs have been started in local Clubs.

The program is segmented into three recommended boys baseball divisions: ages 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18, and two recommended girls fast-pitch softball divisions: ages 10-14 and 15-18. Younger age groups may be targeted through the Rookie League or other instructional programs.

The primary goals of RBI are to provide young people from low-income families and disadvantaged areas with access to baseball and softball leagues and teach critical educational and social skills through positive athletic competition. At the same time, the program seeks to create a standard of excellence in youth sports programs that expands beyond the fundamentals of baseball to promote academic achievement, responsibility and growth.