Savannah Launches Youth Baseball Initiative

News Summary

The Mayor of Savannah, Van R. Johnson, II, has announced a new initiative called ‘Mayor Plays Ball’ aimed at increasing youth participation in baseball. This program, in collaboration with Major League Baseball and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, will kick off with an event at Grayson Stadium. Open to children aged 5 to 12, it promises skill-building activities, games, and professional athlete involvement. Organizers aim to create a sense of community, encouraging healthy lifestyles and sportsmanship among participants.

Savannah has announced a new recreational initiative called “Mayor Plays Ball,” aimed at increasing youth participation in baseball. This initiative, led by Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, is in collaboration with Major League Baseball (MLB) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The program is designed to engage children in meaningful sports activities, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship through the fun of baseball.

The inaugural event for “Mayor Plays Ball” is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Grayson Stadium and will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to boys and girls aged 5 to 12, the event will feature a variety of activities. Children will participate in sandlot-style games, skill-building drills, and interactive experiences, all tailored to introduce them to the fundamentals of baseball.

One of the highlights of the event will be the involvement of players and coaches from the Savannah Bananas organization, known for their entertaining exhibition matches. These professional athletes will lead instructional sessions, helping children learn essential skills while enjoying the camaraderie of sports.

The organizers are looking to create a vibrant atmosphere, where participants not only learn but also connect with one another and make lasting memories. A complimentary lunch will be provided alongside icy treats from Kona Ice for all attendees. The day will culminate in a brief awards ceremony recognizing participation and sportsmanship.

Parents or guardians interested in enrolling their children in this exciting event can do so through an online registration form available at savannahga.gov/MayorPlaysBall. For any further inquiries, they can reach out to Farrah Lawrence via email at Farrah.Lawrence@savannahga.gov.

The “Mayor Plays Ball” initiative has garnered support from various local organizations and departments, including the City’s Recreation and Leisure Services Department, the Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (ONSE), and the Savannah Police Department’s Police Athletic League (PAL). Additionally, community partners such as Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care, Healthy Savannah, and Kona Ice have contributed to making this event possible.

This initiative lies within the framework of the national Play Ball program, which seeks to promote community-driven events aimed at encouraging children to get involved with baseball. By creating accessible and enjoyable opportunities for young people, the program aims to instill a love for the game that could last a lifetime.

The event emphasizes not just physical activity but also the importance of community involvement. By engaging local organizations and athletes, the initiative seeks to foster a sense of belonging among participants while also promoting healthy lifestyles.

In summary, “Mayor Plays Ball” represents a significant step by the City of Savannah to encourage youth baseball participation and engage the community in positive recreational activities. With exciting games, skill-building opportunities, and professional athletes guiding the way, the event is set to be a remarkable experience for children in the area.

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Additional Resources

• WTOC: Mayor Plays Ball Initiative Coming to Savannah
• Savannah Business Journal: Mayor Johnson & MLB Introduce Mayor Plays Ball Initiative
• WTOC: Mayor Johnson Releases Statement on Shootings in Savannah
• Wikipedia: Youth Baseball
• Google Search: Mayor Plays Ball Initiative Savannah