USA Softball is proud to partner with Major League Baseball (MLB) and USA Baseball in the "PLAY BALL" initiative. Launched in June of 2015, PLAY BALL encourages widespread participation in all forms of softball and baseball activities among all age groups - especially youth.
PLAY BALL highlights the many ways baseball and softball can be played, whether at Championship or recreational play or something as simple as playing catch or a game of wiffle ball. The initiative also provides players, parents and coaches with the information and resources to help with proper play and instruction. Through a partnership with USA Softball and USA Baseball, PLAY BALL brings awareness and accessibility to the program’s initiatives through special events and promotional opportunities.
Together with MLB and USA Baseball, PLAY BALL events are conducted all across the United States, offering the opportunity for youth athletes to get involved in the game.
Additional Events:
Softball Breakthrough Series
The Softball Breakthrough Series (BTS) is designed to promote softball as a viable collegiate option for youth from underrepresented and under served communities. The event is completely cost-free for participants, who are selected by invitation only. The program focuses on developing players on and off the field through seminars, mentorship, gameplay, scout evaluations, video coverage and the highest level of instruction. In all, 60 participants are selected from all over the country through league nominations. Selected athletes will have the opportunity to work with U.S. Olympians, former National Team members and coaches for three days of on-and-off field instructions and scrimmages.
Elite Development Invitational
The Elite Development Invitational is a five day camp as an extended version of the Breakthrough Series. It is a highly intense program which mirrors’ the USA Softball Women’s National team training camps, giving the players an opportunity to see what life is like as they prepare for International Competitions and the Olympics. Entering the third week, the Elite Development Invitational will host 90 softball players to participate in the inaugural softball focused EDI. The week will consist and start off with staff introductions, seminars, special guest speakers, specialized coaching instruction to players pursing collegiate careers.