On Saturday, June 14, Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL Weekend returned for another year, and the Miami Marlins and the Miami Marlins Foundation, in coordination with Fanatics, brought the excitement to the team’s Youth Academy at Babcock Park. The event invited local families and kids to take part in a full schedule of youth baseball and softball activities designed to teach the game and inspire the next generation of players.
PLAY BALL Weekend, a league-wide initiative, focuses on expanding access to baseball and softball through free, engaging opportunities for kids to play. Designed for children ages 5 to 14, the Marlins’ combined instruction, entertainment, and community-focused programming to create a memorable day for all attendees.
“This is a special day,” said Marlins President of Business Operations, Caroline O’Connor. “It is PLAY BALL Weekend across all of Major League Baseball, and we chose to celebrate it here at Babcock Park in Hialeah, a place where we brought back recreation baseball for the community.
“There is so much baseball history in Miami. We really want these kids who are in this neighborhood to have an easy place to come out with their families to play baseball, have healthy activity, and get out and enjoy the fun of team sports.”
The day began with MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run, open to boys and girls ages 7 to 14. Each participant received a complimentary bat and ball set before rotating through guided drills designed to build core skills.
By midday, a regularly scheduled Marlins RBI game received “The Show” treatment, complete with a live DJ, bilingual PA announcer, in-game host, and appearances by Billy The Marlin and the Marlins Mermaids. City of Hialeah Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves and Fanatics Vice President of Team Relations Steve Eaves joined O’Connor in offering welcoming remarks during the Opening Ceremony ahead of the RBI game. Players took the field in brand-new uniforms provided by Nike and Fanatics, with teams representing the Marlins’ City Connect and home white jerseys.
Around the park, families and kids enjoyed a home run derby, pick-up games, an inflatable speed pitch, and the “Fun at Bat” program for younger children. A father/child catch station, recognizing Father’s Day weekend, gave families a personal way to connect on the field.
The event also highlighted Miami’s culture through a live mural painted onsite by local artist, Quake, and the City Connect jersey story display. The Bobblehead Photobooth, presented by Fanatics, was a fan favorite throughout the day. Former Marlin legends and World Series Champions Liván Hernández and Antonio Alfonseca wowed the crowd and did a meet-and-greet with participants.
“Today is a big day,” said Hernandez. “They’re doing this all over the United States, and it’s great for the kids and for baseball.
“Hialeah needs this kind of support. A lot of kids want to play and be part of a team, and the Marlins’ RBI program gives them that chance.”
Alfonseca echoed this sentiment, reflecting on his involvement: “The Marlins do a great job for the kids here in Hialeah.
“This is my seventh time coming here to help kids play baseball, and it means a lot to me and to them. When I played in the Dominican Republic, I had never seen anything like this—it’s really beautiful.”
PLAY BALL Weekend at Babcock Park drew a strong community turnout, offering a full day of activities that fostered a love for baseball among local youth. With support from MLB, city officials, and partners like Fanatics, the Marlins continue to make baseball accessible and grow the game across South Florida communities, ensuring that the next generation has opportunities to play, learn, and connect through the sport.
“For a while, we had our parks with no programs, no baseball, everything was gone,” said Garcia-Roves. “But thanks to the Marlins for partnering with us, we have that again, so I am very thankful and grateful for the Marlins.
“I am so happy the kids have something to do and that they are so excited to come here and play baseball.”