CLEVELAND — EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above is from a previous story that aired on the Cleveland Guardians opening day.
Some of Cleveland’s most prominent baseball stars are giving back to the community by providing opportunities for underserved baseball, softball and adaptive organizations in Northeast Ohio.
Josh Naylor, José Ramírez, Franmil Reyes and Myles Straw are joining together to serve as the Guardians Youth Baseball and Softball Player Ambassadors for the Cleveland Guardians Charities PlayBall! CLE initiative. The ambassadors will work together to connect and support all of the young athletes involved in the leagues.
On Friday afternoon, the Cleveland Guardians Charities announced the 12 leagues participating in the partnership between Cleveland-Cliffs and PlayBall! CLE.
2022 PlayBall! CLE Affiliate Leagues:
B Buzz Baseball League
Baseball Heritage Museum/BHM Buckeyes
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio
Maple Heights Boys League
Near West Recreation
OBALL
Tri-League Little League
West Denison Baseball Leagues, Inc.
Achievement Centers for Children
Empower Sports
Miracle League of Lake County
The partnership's goal is to increase representation and the growth of baseball and softball in disadvantaged communities.
“Even if I had never progressed to where I am today, I will never forget the friendships, mentoring, and other positive experiences baseball has given me,” said Cleveland Guardians outfielder Myles Straw in a statement. “It makes me happy to potentially create those type of memories for the youth in our city.”
In a media release from the Cleveland Guardians, they said that leagues are eligible for grants after “making a commitment to providing access and opportunity for the youth of all ages regardless of backgrounds, demographics and accessibility needs.”
All of the leagues involved also will be given many exclusive opportunities, including:
Educational programming in conjunction with MLB- and club-affiliated partners such as MOJO, USA Baseball and the Positive Coaching Alliance.
Invitations to home games at Progressive Field and exclusive events
Visits from Guardians personnel, mascots, and Youth Baseball & Softball Ambassadors
Editor's Note: The video above is from April 15, 2022, showcasing the Guardian's 2022 roster.