NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce a continuation of its partnership with the Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) baseball program for the 2010 season.

RPOS and NSU will partner to put on an RBI baseball coaches’ certification clinic, which will satisfy the mandatory training requirement that RPOS has set forth for all youth coaches. The clinic will take place at NSU’s Marty L. Miller Field on Sunday, March 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. 

On Saturday, April 3, RPOS and NSU will host a free registration event and cookout at Marty L. Miller Field on the NSU campus. Players and their families will enjoy a cookout, as well as free admission to the NSU baseball game at noon that day against Coppin State University. Each player who signs up for RBI at the registration drive will also receive one free ticket to the inaugural exhibition game between NSU and Norfolk Tides on Tuesday, April 6, at 7:15 p.m. at Harbor Park.

Norfolk is one of 200 cities worldwide that has an RBI program, and annually serves more than 400 youth on 30 teams. The league’s goals are to increase interest in baseball and softball, particularly among minorities; to make the game financially accessible to all, thereby increasing the talent pool for college and the minor leagues; and to encourage strong character through teamwork and academic achievement. 

In 2008, RBI adopted the Norfolk Police Department’s Badges for Baseball, a community initiative using baseball to prevent crime and disorder and improving relationships between law enforcement personnel and disadvantaged youth.  Norfolk police officers act as mentors to RBI league players in an environment of mutual respect. 

This year, RPOS is also proud to work in collaboration with the NSU coaches and players, who bring a new level of experience and talent to the league, as well as serve as role models to the players.

For more information about RBI or on how to register for the 2010 season, contact DeRocke Croom at the Lakewood Athletic Office at 757-441-5835.