| KCK RBI |
| HOSTED BY: S.A.F.E. (SUCCESS ACHIEVED IN FUTURE ENVIRONMENTS) A 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization |
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| ABOUT US... |
The ball parks located at 5325 Parallel Parkway better known as Wyandotte County 3&2 sat dormant for almost 10 years until 2008, when Success Achieved In Future Environments (herein referred to as S.A.F.E.), a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization, gained ownership of the complex. WyCo 3 & 2 was once a long standing fixture of the Kansas City, Kansas community and served as the cornerstone facility for baseball in the inner city. The stadium is centrally-located along a major thoroughfare within the city – at 5325 Parallel Pkwy – and for nearly 50 years it was a gathering place for the community with daily baseball practices and games, including hosting tournaments for teams from across the Midwest. There have been seven players that progressed from the Wyco 3 & 2 fields to play Major League baseball. They are: Neil Allen, Larry Drew, David Segui, Ray Sadecki, Steve Renko, Jr, Kevin Young and Damian Rolls. Sadecki, Renko, Young and Rolls all had the privilege of playing for our own Kansas City Royals organization. There were also multiple players that went on to play Division I or Junior College baseball. Unfortunately, a decade of vacancy took its toll on the fields, and as the crime and the rust and the weeds moved in, baseball moved out. On May 30th, 2009 S.A.F.E held its first registration for the newly formed S.T.I.C.K.S (Support Towards Inner City Kids) Little League Baseball program. Over 150 metro area youth registered to play summer baseball, the age groups ranged from 3-18. The S.T.I.C.K.S Little League program became the only baseball program within Kansas City Kansas to offer summer baseball to players ages 14-18. In December of 2009, Major League baseball granted Success Achieved in Future Environments a RBI (presented by KPMG) Chapter under the jurisdiction of KCK RBI Executive Director Cle Ross. Currently several Kansas City Kansas High Schools do not have a home baseball field and several of the schools do not play night games due to the fact that they do not have any lights. Whereas, Wyandotte County 3&2 is in a central location for all high schools who would have an interest in playing baseball. There are batting cages on the property that we have been able to get back up and running(using a generator). The cages have three stalls and throw softballs and baseballs at either fast or slow pitching speeds. In addition to baseball, several Kansas City Kansas High Schools do not offer a softball program so the renovation of Wyandotte County 3&2 would provide a location for girls who attend those schools the opportunity to play organized softball. What is RBI? Reviving Baseball in the Inner City (RBI) was founded in South Central Los Angeles in 1989 by former Major Leaguer John Young. Young set out to overcome obstacles – such as crime and a lack of funding for fields and equipment – that prevented inner city kids from learning and excelling at the game of baseball. More importantly, Young wanted to use participation in baseball as a means to overcome academic and social disadvantages most inner city kids face. The result was a program that not only taught solid, fundamental baseball, but also promoted academic achievement and social responsibility as a requirement for participation. RBI hosts coaches’ seminars for instructors and administrators. The seminars cover on-field skills and discuss social skills that help young players cope with outside pressures. The RBI program at Success Achieved In Future Environments (S.A.F.E.) provides Kansas City Kansas boys and girls, ages 3-18, with the opportunity to play organized baseball and softball, while teaching teamwork, leadership and life skills. Since 2010, the program has been provided locally by (S.A.F.E.) in partnership with the Kansas City Royals and KCK Parks & Recreation. Today’s Growth •From 2010 to the present, the KCK RBI program has grown from approximately 6 youth, to nearly 700. •Since 2010, the KCK RBI program has given more than 1,600 urban boys and girls the opportunity to learn the sport of baseball/softball and important life skills in a safe supervised environment. •Every year, the KCK RBI program sends teams to the regional playoffs where they have the opportunity to qualify for the RBI World Series. In 2011, KCK RBI was the only team at the RBI Central Regional located in Saint Louis to represent the KC Royals. In 2012, KCK RBI had 18 (the classic 18) league participants and countless coaches and volunteers participate in the 2012 MLB All Star Week & Jr. RBI Classic. |
League Growth to Date |
| 2009 S.T.I.C.K.S Litttle League Baseball 155 baseball players 2010 KCK RBI 315 baseball players 2011 KCK RBI 428 baseball players and 40 softball players 2012 KCK RBI 603 baseball players and 76 softball players |
From the Executive Director: As a child, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play little league baseball on a competitive level. This was due to the support of a strong single mother and several select individuals in the community who not only recognized my talent, but also took special and direct interest in developing it. Our partnership with Major League Baseball was created in an effort to provide the same type of support I received as a child to local youths ages 3 to 18 in Kansas City Kansas and metro surrounding areas. I understand that many inner-city parents are turned off by baseball because of the finances required for the game, but I also am aware that if I am able to minimize player fees, provide the necessary equipment and provide proper fields as well as training facilities, the rewards children experience will last a lifetime. Baseball not only created a financial opportunity for me to receive a college education, but it also helped cultivate a disciplined, determined and secure self-identity. My goal is to guide as many inner-city youth as possible to college by teaching them leadership and the fundamentals of baseball. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who does KCK RBI serve?
KCK RBI targets youth and families from Kansas City Kansas and surrounding areas underserved communities. Junior RBI is currently for boys and
girls ages 3-15 and includes t-ball, coach pitch, and kid pitch divisions. RBI is for boys ages 13-18.
Is KCK RBI a non-profit organization?
Yes. KCK RBI is a registered 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization, existing under the legal name, Success Achieved in Future Environments
(S.A.F.E). All donations are tax deductible
Is KCK RBI faith-based?
Yes. KCK RBI’s mission and vision are driven by the gospel of Jesus Christ and we provide opportunities for participants to be developed spiritually
through our mentoring and discipleship programs.
How is KCK RBI funded?
KCK RBI is 98% funded by contributions from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations. Our program revenues account for the other 2%
of our budget.
Who Started Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program?
John Young, a former Major League Baseball player, developed the concept of RBI in 1989 to provide disadvantaged youth an opportunity to learn and
enjoy the game of baseball. To read more about how RBI was started click here.
How many RBI programs does Major League Baseball have?
There are approximately 300 Major League Baseball RBI programs established in more than 200 cities worldwide. Since the inception of the program,
over 1 million children have participated in MLB RBI programs and annually more than 200,000 boys and girls play in an RBI league.
Who runs other RBI programs?
All RBI programs are run by local organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, MLB and Minor League Baseball Clubs, faith-based organizations,
community-based organizations, independent baseball/softball organizations, and grass roots organizations. KCK RBI is under the umbrella of local
non-profit, Success Achieved In Future Environments (S.A.F.E). KCK RBI is the first and only RBI program in the state of Kansas and it is led by KCK
RBI Executive Director Cle Ross.
What is KCK RBI’s relationship with Major League Baseball?
KCK RBI is an affiliate of Major League Baseball’s RBI program. While MLB serves as a resource on many levels it does not provide any funding to
KCK RBI.
How many RBI players have been selected in the MLB-first year player draft?
Since the inception of the RBI program in 1989, MLB clubs have drafted more than 200 RBI participants.
How many RBI players were selected in the 2012 MLB-first year player draft?
Fourteen alumni from the RBI program were selected in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. The selections included Victor Roache (28th overall), who is
an alumnus of the Think PAL RBI League along with two local Kansas City players, Justin Chigbogu (KCBGC RBI, 4th round, Dodgers) and Bralin
Jackson (KCBGC RBI, 5th Round, Rays).
“Reviving Baseball in Inner cities has proven to be a terrific source of professional-level talent for the game over the years. Between today’s stars and
the hopeful young players selected in this year’s draft, the program is steadily achieving the intended goal of giving ballplayers from underserved
communities and diverse backgrounds the opportunities to succeed on the field as well as off.” - Allan H. (Bud) Selig Baseball Commissioner
Alumni currently in the Majors?
RBI alum on MLB rosters during the 2011 season included, Carl Crawford (Dodgers), Covelli “Coco” Crisp (A’s), James Loney (Dodgers), Jimmy
Rollins (Phillies), CC Sabathia (Yankees), Yovani Gallardo (Brewers), Justin Upton (Diamondbacks), James McDonald (Pirates), Chris Young
(Diamondbacks), Ricky Romero (Blue Jays).
RBI Partners?
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, New Balance, Pitch in for Baseball, Majestic, Outdoor Cap, Wilson, Louisville Slugger, and Rawlings are supporters of
the RBI program. All 30 MLB clubs support the RBI program.
What is the MLB RBI Mission Statement?
Increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth.
Encourage academic participation and achievement.
Increase the number of talented athletes prepared to play in college and minor leagues.
Promote greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game.
Teach the value of teamwork.
KCK RBI Mission:
Our Mission is to be a primary resource for boys and girls, ages 3-18, by providing positive solutions and support through the sponsorship of
educational & humanitarian programs and events with special emphasis on youth from disadvantaged circumstances.
Who does KCK RBI serve?
KCK RBI targets youth and families from Kansas City Kansas and surrounding areas underserved communities. Junior RBI is currently for boys and
girls ages 3-15 and includes t-ball, coach pitch, and kid pitch divisions. RBI is for boys ages 13-18.
Is KCK RBI a non-profit organization?
Yes. KCK RBI is a registered 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization, existing under the legal name, Success Achieved in Future Environments
(S.A.F.E). All donations are tax deductible
Is KCK RBI faith-based?
Yes. KCK RBI’s mission and vision are driven by the gospel of Jesus Christ and we provide opportunities for participants to be developed spiritually
through our mentoring and discipleship programs.
How is KCK RBI funded?
KCK RBI is 98% funded by contributions from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations. Our program revenues account for the other 2%
of our budget.
Who Started Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program?
John Young, a former Major League Baseball player, developed the concept of RBI in 1989 to provide disadvantaged youth an opportunity to learn and
enjoy the game of baseball. To read more about how RBI was started click here.
How many RBI programs does Major League Baseball have?
There are approximately 300 Major League Baseball RBI programs established in more than 200 cities worldwide. Since the inception of the program,
over 1 million children have participated in MLB RBI programs and annually more than 200,000 boys and girls play in an RBI league.
Who runs other RBI programs?
All RBI programs are run by local organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, MLB and Minor League Baseball Clubs, faith-based organizations,
community-based organizations, independent baseball/softball organizations, and grass roots organizations. KCK RBI is under the umbrella of local
non-profit, Success Achieved In Future Environments (S.A.F.E). KCK RBI is the first and only RBI program in the state of Kansas and it is led by KCK
RBI Executive Director Cle Ross.
What is KCK RBI’s relationship with Major League Baseball?
KCK RBI is an affiliate of Major League Baseball’s RBI program. While MLB serves as a resource on many levels it does not provide any funding to
KCK RBI.
How many RBI players have been selected in the MLB-first year player draft?
Since the inception of the RBI program in 1989, MLB clubs have drafted more than 200 RBI participants.
How many RBI players were selected in the 2012 MLB-first year player draft?
Fourteen alumni from the RBI program were selected in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. The selections included Victor Roache (28th overall), who is
an alumnus of the Think PAL RBI League along with two local Kansas City players, Justin Chigbogu (KCBGC RBI, 4th round, Dodgers) and Bralin
Jackson (KCBGC RBI, 5th Round, Rays).
“Reviving Baseball in Inner cities has proven to be a terrific source of professional-level talent for the game over the years. Between today’s stars and
the hopeful young players selected in this year’s draft, the program is steadily achieving the intended goal of giving ballplayers from underserved
communities and diverse backgrounds the opportunities to succeed on the field as well as off.” - Allan H. (Bud) Selig Baseball Commissioner
Alumni currently in the Majors?
RBI alum on MLB rosters during the 2011 season included, Carl Crawford (Dodgers), Covelli “Coco” Crisp (A’s), James Loney (Dodgers), Jimmy
Rollins (Phillies), CC Sabathia (Yankees), Yovani Gallardo (Brewers), Justin Upton (Diamondbacks), James McDonald (Pirates), Chris Young
(Diamondbacks), Ricky Romero (Blue Jays).
RBI Partners?
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, New Balance, Pitch in for Baseball, Majestic, Outdoor Cap, Wilson, Louisville Slugger, and Rawlings are supporters of
the RBI program. All 30 MLB clubs support the RBI program.
What is the MLB RBI Mission Statement?
Increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth.
Encourage academic participation and achievement.
Increase the number of talented athletes prepared to play in college and minor leagues.
Promote greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game.
Teach the value of teamwork.
KCK RBI Mission:
Our Mission is to be a primary resource for boys and girls, ages 3-18, by providing positive solutions and support through the sponsorship of
educational & humanitarian programs and events with special emphasis on youth from disadvantaged circumstances.