Macon RBI enjoying registration boom

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Anyone with kids can tell you sports are expensive.

The costs for sign-up fees, equipment and travel can add up in a hurry, especially if you have more than one kid.

That’s why Major League Baseball started a program called RBI, which in this case doesn’t stand for “run batted in,” but “Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities.”

“Most young kids, they concentrate on the basketball, but we’re here to let them know that baseball is also an important sport,” says Jamone McElroy, head coach of one of the program’s 9-10 year old teams at Tom Fontaine Park.

The program’s goal is to increase participation and interest in the sport among underserved youth, and it is working like a charm.

“Last year, we had 225 both boys and girls that signed up,” says Jeff Battcher, administrator for Macon RBI. “This year, we’ve got 325, and that’s growing still as registration is still open.”

The big draw to the program for cash-strapped parents is everything but the cost of registration is free.

“But if someone can’t pay, we don’t make them pay the $35 registration,” Battcher says. “This program allows kids that don’t have anything maybe to do for the summer, and can’t afford a bat, a ball, don’t have a glove. We’ll provide that for you, and they’ve got activity for the summer where they normally wouldn’t, just because they can’t afford the cost of baseball equipment.”

The season opens Saturday, April 9 at 9 a.m. at Tom Fontaine Park. That’s across from Henderson Stadium. There are still a few slots open. Call Jeff Battcher at (404) 713-0274 for more details.

If you don’t have a child but would like to donate to the program, text “RBI” to 717-77. The United Way is matching all donations up to $10,000.