NEWS RELEASE

Historic Dodgertown will host the first-ever Elite Development Invitational, operated by USA Baseball, and initiated by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association on July 18-30. Approximately 150 youth, ages 13-16, will participate in the two-week program geared toward providing player development opportunities to top prospects from minority or underserved backgrounds.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) announced on July 13 a commitment of $30 million toward a new joint initiative that will focus on improving the caliber, effectiveness and availability of amateur baseball and softball programs across the United States and Canada.

The intense 12-day program will feature numerous former major league players conveying their knowledge of the game and experiences preparing campers for a potential career. In addition to on-field baseball activities, the curriculum will focus on overall character development, strength and conditioning, arm care, MLB scout and college recruiter interaction, NCAA compliance, umpire education/interaction and media training, all of which is designed to accelerate their maturation and readiness for the next step in their respective baseball careers.

“We are proud and excited that Historic Dodgertown was selected for this event,” said Historic Dodgertown Chairman Peter O’Malley. “Our staff has worked very hard in planning it and it will be a big success. We hope to have other MLB-sponsored events and I look forward to being in Vero Beach.”

Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach was the first integrated Spring Training camp site in the South and its iconic history will serve as a key educational resource to youth participants. Hall of Fame players Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella were among the first African Americans to train at Historic Dodgertown, and events will be held in meeting rooms bearing their names throughout the program. Participants will also experience the environment of Dodgers Spring Training utilizing all of the on-site amenities including room accommodations, dining, locker rooms, conference rooms, recreation and athletic fields.

The Elite Development Invitational events taking place on the fields will be open to spectators, though participation is exclusive to invitees only. Daily itineraries of fundamentals, speed and conditioning training along with game play will vary from day to day.

For more information about Historic Dodgertown, visit http://www.historicdodgertown.com or call (866) 656-4900.

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