arts & entertainment

Major League Baseball and the Jackie Robinson Training Complex (JRTC) will host a PLAY BALL event for fourth and fifth graders at Dodgertown Elementary School on Thursday, October 8.

Led by MLB Youth Ambassador Justin Sherman, the introductory-level baseball and softball activities at this event are meant to encourage greater accessibility to the sport, while demonstrating the variety of ways in which the game can be played in almost any setting. This specifi c effort is a continuation of MLB’s broader “PLAY BALL” initiative. To learn more about MLB’s PLAY BALL initiative, visit playball.org.

In addition to Justin Sherman, members of the Breakthrough Series Team will assist as volunteer clinicians at the event. The Breakthrough Series Team features athletes representing Major League Baseball’s Boys Breakthrough Series, a joint initiative of Major League Baseball and USA Baseball. The Breakthrough Series provides high school-aged baseball players with opportunities for development both on and off the fi eld through elite instruction, mentorship, seminars, gameplay, and exposure to collegiate coaches and professional scouts.

Their participation extends the impact of the Breakthrough Series beyond the field, giving athletes an opportunity to grow as mentors and leaders while connecting with the Vero Beach community. By bringing PLAY BALL to Dodgertown Elementary, MLB and JRTC aim to introduce young students to baseball and softball, create meaningful experiences through the game, and inspire the next generation of players.