CLEVELAND — In the underground batting cages at Progressive Field, the Cleveland Guardians RBI teams are experiencing media day. With help from Kaulig Media, players taking part in the "Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities" program have the chance to feel like they're in the big leagues - with professional video shoots, headshots and more.
We first met these all-star baseball and softball players, ranging from 13-18 years old, last summer. Since then, the teams went on to compete in the 2022 RBI world series. Part of MLB's youth outreach program designed to encourage academic achievement, and also increase youth with diverse backgrounds into the mainstream of the game, their ride was even captured by an Emmy-nominated documentary, "The Kids from Cleveland: A Guardians RBI Story."
On this media day, all players in the program were invited to Progressive Field for opportunities that will help market themselves for college scholarships, and even opportunities to play professional ball.
But the entire journey wouldn’t be possible without dedicated coaches like Leroy Suarez, who told 3News Special Contributor Matt Kaulig, he's honored to be part of this program for more than 15 years,
"It was a way for me to help baseball players or use baseball to get these kids to be better men at some point," he recalled. "I can honestly tell you those kids that are part of our program come back every single year. They're giving back to the program as they went through it every single year. Those kids just can't come back. It's amazing. We’re a family."
Coach Mary Caraballo, a former RBI softball player herself, agrees.
"I had to give back to what gave me, I now I get to give back to the girls on and off the field. They're my, I tell 'em they're my children now. I love them," she told 3News anchor Jay Crawford. "If they ever need anything they know, they just call me. I'll be there for them. Like I said, anyone who becomes part of RBI, they become a family with Cleveland RBI."
Now a Cleveland Police officer, Caraballo knows what opportunities like these can provide for her team, many of whom, are first-time players.
"We're trying to get them on our team, get them the fundamentals of softball, and then also build [skills]. We're doing tournaments this year, so now these girls are actually seeing what softball really is. [And the best part,] it's all free."
Today, the players are getting exposed to the professional side of their sport, and given a chance to shine, inside a Major League Baseball stadium.
"These are the hardest swings I've seen all season from our girls," Caraballo said. So these cameras, are just making these girls happy... It's awesome. It makes these girls feel like they're rock stars, which they deserve because they are rock stars."
It's a message Jay, and Matt, who is also a minority owner of the Cleveland Guardians, shared with the teams inside the Guardians visiting locker room.
"I think it's great that you're exposed to this because it makes your dream a reality. It's touchable. You know what it looks like, what kind of treatment you get if you ever make it to the major league levels. And I've watched you guys play. You guys are the real deal," Jay told the players. "So take advantage of the gifts God gave you and take advantage of the gifts that people like Matt and the Guardians have put at your fingertips. Don't waste it."
"It's really cool to be in this park and have you guys in this park," Matt said. "You guys should know, and I know you feel how blessed you are just to be able to be here and be part of the Guardians. On behalf of the Guardians and the organization...[we're] really proud of you guys. Really proud of what you guys do individually and as a group and proud to have you as part of the Guardians organization."
