Minor League Baseball to launch Black community outreach program ‘The Nine’

Minor League Baseball launched a Black community outreach program called “The Nine” on the first day of Black History Month.

The new program is named after baseball player Jackie Robinson who played in the MiLB for one season back in 1946.

The program is to honor contributions Black baseball players and civil rights leaders have made and reach out to the Black community in the 120 MiLB communities. 

The program will focus on creating opportunities for children to play baseball and softball, particularly in communities where opportunities for the sport are limited. 

Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in MiLB communities will be offered internship programs for students to get on-the-job experience and the MiLB teams will work with local Black-owned businesses and artists in its ballparks.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations, said. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

The initiative follows the MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión that was introduced in 2017 to boost Latino fan engagement.