The Tulsa Drillers, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, announced they were involved in the launch of “The Nine,” a new outreach platform specifically designed to celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport.
It was named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing Minor League Baseball with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946.
The Nine aims to provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of the game and embrace the millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.
“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,” MLB vice president of Minor League business operations Kurt Hunzeker said.
“The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”
As part of its youth-focused push, The Nine is planning to expand MLB’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program. New competitions beginning this year are MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series.
Furthermore, MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned businesses, local artists and entertainers. This is in effort of turning Minor League ballparks into a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows and community events.
With several MiLB clubs having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for students to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team.
What’s more, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country.
Hennessey returning as Drillers manager
The Drillers announced last week that manager Scott Hennessey will return for his fifth season with the club in 2022. “I am looking forward to being back with the Drillers this season,” Hennessey said in a statement.
“Tulsa is a great city with a rich baseball history, and the fans are always so supportive. We should have a talented team again this season that will make for another exciting summer at ONEOK Field, and I cannot wait to get started.”
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