R. Paniagua Inc. & LatinoBaseball.com’s Urban Youth Baseball Initiative Tour.

R. Paniagua Inc. and LatinoBaseball.com bring The Urban Youth Baseball Initiative Tour to Miami. The third city of seven, during a summer long tour to distribute Spalding baseball equipment to hundreds of Inner city youth baseball teams, (Ages 10-13) in the key U.S Hispanic markets. The program celebrates the Latino Legacy in Baseball and supports the continued growth of the sport within the Latino community.

The event will take place on Sunday, July 27th, from 1-6:00pm, at the Grapeland Park Complex, Located 15-50 NW 37 Avenue, Miami, FL 33125 (adjacent to the new water Park)
The citywide youth baseball tournament allows these youth the opportunity to play organized baseball with local Miami teams, in a safe and fun environment. The Initiative, sponsored by State Farm Insurance, will donate 3,600 gloves, baseballs and 2,000 wooden bats to teams in need across the United States, during the month of July and September. In addition, The UYBI will present 50 equipment bags to the local little leagues during a 4-hour program.

In a partnership with local major league baseball team, the Florida Marlins will treat the youngsters to special baseball clinics that include instruction in Infield, Outfield, Hitting and Pitching. The four-hour program will cap off the day with a special home run derby. Two local teams will be selected to play the Championship tournament.

The tour kicked off in New York City, during the spirit of All Star Week, on July 13th. The young players even had a chance to interact with Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda.
“I did not have it easy, we played on dirt roads, we came here and did not speak the language, we faced prejudice, but we came a long way.”, said Puerto Rican born Cepeda. From the field to the stands, all attentively listened to the words of a living legend. That moment was a reminder that the history of Baseball cannot be told without mention of the influence of the Latino players.
Today more than 25 percent of the league’s players are Latinos and it is projected that in 10 years, 50 percent of the league will be predominately Hispanic. According to the US Census, over 60% Hispanics make up Miami’s population. “Taking the tour to Grapeland Park makes perfect sense.”, said Ralph Paniagua, founder and CEO of RPI.

“Latino Legends players like Cepeda, Juan Marichal, Tony Perez and current Latino superstars like Alex Rodriguez, Ivan Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez and Vladimir Guerrero, Latinos have made great contributions to the sport of baseball”, adds Paniagua.

Latino players have overcome many adversities and many have become models for the American dream. It’s the story of achieving great success despite having little or nothing to begin with. This mission of this initiative is to continue Latino traditions in baseball through our youth.

“State Farm is a proud sponsor of the Urban Youth Baseball Initiative. By supporting this event, we are showing our commitment to providing youth the opportunity to engage in team sport activities in our communities. We are very excited to help hundreds of inner city youth by donating baseball equipment as part of the 7 city tour.”, said Diana Rael, Director Multicultural Markets for State Farm Insurance.

UYBI Tour Schedule:
(7/13)- Yankees – Bronx, NY
(7/20)- Astros – Houston, TX
(7/27)- Marlins-Miami, FL
(9/24) Dodgers- Los Angeles, CA
(8/30)- Diamondbacks – Phoenix, AZ
(TBA) – Cubs-Chicago, IL