Cincinnati Reds will host the 2016 and 2017 RBI World Series youth program

The Cincinnati Reds, Great American Ballpark, and Cincinnati in general have been chosen to host the 2016 and 2017 RBI World Series. The Reviving Baseball Inner Cities program is a program initiated by Major League Baseball to help promote young people from underprivileged and underserved areas excel in baseball and softball, as well as providing support for students to achieve academic success. The program was started by John Young and serves over 200 communities.

The games will be played August 3rd through August 16th on fields throughout Cincinnati, including P&G MLB Urban Youth Academy and GABP.

"When it comes to growing and promoting our game at the youth level, the Reds have been exemplary, particularly with respect to the RBI program, its outstanding Urban Youth Academy and as hosts of last year's All-Star Game festivities," said Tony Petitti, Chief Operating Officer of Major League Baseball. "The RBI World Series is designed to provide an enriching experience for participants, both on and off the field, and we are confident that the Reds will continue to exceed all expectations as a host club."

"It is a proud day for the Cincinnati Reds and our community and we relish the opportunity to host the RBI World Series at the P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy," said Bob Castellini, Reds President & CEO. "It is Major League Baseball's vision and commitment to urban baseball and softball that helped build this complex and we are thrilled to see it used to host this international event in Cincinnati in 2016 and 2017."

This is the first time that Cincinnati will be holding the games.

It's pretty cool for the club/city to have the opportunity to host this event. C. Trent has a lot more details for the event, but also provides a little perspective from one of the youngsters involved in the program. RBI serves a demographic that's been declining swiftly in Major League Baseball over the years, and it's important for all the teams, not just the Reds, to make it a priority that everyone is and can be included in the game of baseball.