RBI WORLD SERIES PRESENTED BY KPMG BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS WON BY

VENICE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB URBAN YOUTH ACADEMY RBI PROGRAM

            The Venice Boys & Girls Club Urban Youth Academy RBI program (UYA RBI) staked claim to the championship of both the senior and junior divisions of the 17^th Annual RBI World Series presented by KPMG at Land Shark Stadium in Miami, home of the Florida Marlins. The senior UYA RBI team defeated Detroit RBI 9-3 in the Senior Division Championship, while the junior UYA RBI squad defeated Santo Domingo RBI in the Junior Division Championship by the score of 10-3.

The Senior Baseball-Larry Doby Championship Trophy was awarded to the senior UYA RBI, who were led by team MVP and starting pitcher Kerry Kelly who pitched a complete game with six strikeouts while giving up two earned runs. Other strong performances included Pascual Garcia (2-2, 2 runs, 2 BBs) and Dominique Starks (2-4, 2 RBIs, 2 runs). The senior baseball championship game aired live on MLB Network and was streamed live on MLB.com.

The Junior Baseball-John Young Championship Trophy was awarded to the junior UYA RBI team, who was led by game MVP centerfielder J.P. Crawford. Crawford drove in three runs on a 4^th inning triple, scored two runs and reached base in each of his four plate appearances. Other strong performances included third baseman Darrell Miller (1-3, 2B, 1 RBI) and Chase De Jong (4.2 IP, 8 Ks, 2 ER). The junior baseball championship game was streamed live on MLB.com.

"I would like to congratulate the Venice Boys & Girls Club Urban Youth Academy RBI teams on their victories at the 2009 RBI World Series presented by KPMG," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "The triumph of both teams on this national stage represents the success of the MLB Urban Youth Academy in finding and developing young, talented ballplayers while also providing these youth a place to learn and grow as individuals."

            Both teams are based out of the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, CA, which opened in 2006 and operates on a year-round basis, offering free baseball and softball instruction, as well as clinics to youth throughout Southern California.

          "KPMG would like to congratulate all of the teams who played in the 2009 RBI World Series. It was a great showcase of athletic ability but more importantly the sportsmanship and teamwork they demonstrated. KPMG was proud to have our volunteers on site to support the tremendous efforts of these teams." Bruce Pfau, Vice Chair Human Resources, KPMG.

The RBI program presented by KPMG is one of many Major League Baseball initiatives dedicated to enhancing youth participation and interest in baseball and softball in underserved communities. Specifically, RBI is designed to promote interest in the sport and encourage academic participation. RBI programs have been started in more than 200 cities worldwide, and in 2009 provided as many as 225,000 boys and girls the opportunity to play baseball and softball. 

          Tournament play of the girls' softball portion of the RBI World Series presented by KPMG will begin on Tuesday, August 11 and will culminate at the softball championship game on Friday, August 14 at Lake Catherine Sports Complex in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The game will be taped to broadcast on August 23 at 1:00pm by MLB Network.

The RBI World Series started today in Jupiter, Florida and two teams are representing the Academy and the Venice Boys and Girls Club in this great competition, The Venice-UYA has a Juniors and a Seniors team.

1st Junior Game:  The Venice-UYA beat the Dominican Republic,  who are representing the Caribbean, 12-4.  The Juniors take the field tomorrow for a doubleheader starting at 10:30am.

1st Senior Game: The Venice-UYA Senior team beat the Los Angeles team 10-5.  The Senior team will play again at 7:30pm against the Southwest division winner. 


In other news:

Unfortunately the Academy Barons did not make it to the National Baseball Congress World Series, but several of the Barons players were picked up to represent other Summer Collegiate league teams, including Jared Frierson and Ryan Thornton who joined the Canejo Oaks at the Wichita, Kansas event.  The Canejo Oaks beat the Nevada Griffins 4-2 in a 10 inning contest.  Jared went 3-5 with 1 run and 1 RBI.  We will post more notes as details come in.