Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI)

RBI Scholarship Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Major League Baseball Charities, Inc. recognizes the importance of encouraging academic excellence in addition to athletic skills. That's why, in 2007, Major League Baseball Charities, Inc. established the "RBI (Runs Batted In) for RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Scholarship Fund", to help provide financial assistance to youth who participate in the RBI program and wish to pursue post secondary education.

In 2013, the fund will provide annual scholarships of up to $5,000 to up to twelve (12) selected RBI players who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills and financial need and who plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, vocational school or technical school. The actual amount of each scholarship grant is based on the recipient's annual tuition and expenses. In 2008, six $5,000 scholarships were awarded to RBI participants; from 2009 to 2012, twelve students received $5,000 scholarships.

RBI Scholarship Program

MLB Charities appreciates that through the encouragement of education, underserved youth will have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. The RBI for RBI Scholarship Fund was created to recognize young men and women who are dedicated to both personal and academic excellence. Financial assistance will be granted to scholars who have the desire, but not the means, to fulfill their dreams through higher education.

Past Scholarship Recipients »

The 2013 scholarship recipients are as follows (Name; Hometown; RBI League Name):
  • Megan Diaz, Miami, FL (Marlins RBI): Will attend the University of Florida to major in pharmacy. She hopes to one day assist patients in determining the best treatment or medication for their illness. She participates in a number of activities at her high school including the marching band and serving as captain of the softball team.
  • David Dorsey, Philadelphia, PA (Phillies RBI): Will attend Chestnut Hill College. While he is undecided on his major, he would like to eventually work with non-profit organizations that help the less fortunate. He has demonstrated leadership by serving as a youth baseball coach for children, ages 3-15, in his community.
  • Joshua Felix, Elizabeth, NJ (Jackie Robinson RBI): Will attend Montclair State University to major in athletic training. He prides himself on being a leader and role model for others, especially to his younger sister, who is an aspiring softball player.
  • Arturo Garcia, Austin, TX (RBI Austin): Will attend Texas A&M University to study mechanical engineering. He is active in his community, tutoring fellow students in math and writing, and also volunteered his time to help renovate the baseball field at his high school.
  • Chelsea Hall, Decatur, GA (RBI Atlanta): Will attend Claflin University to study sport management. While she recognizes that she will not be able to play softball forever, she hopes to continue her love of sports after her playing days are over by working in the sports industry. She is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America.
  • Jared Jones, Hendersonville, TN (Nashville RBI): Will attend Tuskegee University to major in political science. He aspires to own a sports law firm, and actively volunteers for a number of organizations including Habitat for Humanity.
  • Kendall Kinard, Prosperity, SC (Charleston RBI): Will attend Charleston Southern University to study electronic engineering. He has won a number of academic, athletic and community service awards throughout high school.
  • Miranda Ladanyi, Ludlow, KY (Cincinnati RBI): Will attend Spalding University to study special education and will play on the school's softball team. Throughout high school, she has participated in a number of community service activities including the Buddy Walk.
  • Steven Price, Jersey City, NJ (Jersey City RBI): Will attend Rutgers University to study physical therapy. He has won his high school's alumni leadership award the past four years.
  • Hakeem Rhodes, Sarasota, FL (Bradenton RBI): Will attend Columbia University to study chemical engineering. He is active in numerous school clubs and activities including serving as president of his school's National Honor Society.
  • Elizabeth Tolentino, Jersey City, NJ (Jersey City RBI): Will attend Kean University to major in biology with a minor in forensic science. She hopes to become a forensic expert and work in criminal justice. She demonstrates leadership in her community by volunteering at an afterschool program at her old elementary school.
  • Kendrick Walk, Meridian, MS (Mississippi RBI): Will attend the University of Southern Mississippi to study athletic training. He aspires to one day hold a PhD in Sports Medicine. He attributes playing baseball to helping him become a leader on the field.
Please check back for 2014 RBI for RBI Scholarship information.