The Academy Mission
Through the splendor of the National Pastime, Major League Baseball’s Urban Youth Academy aims to set the standard for instruction, teaching, and education in Urban America, as well as enhance the quality of life in the surrounding communities. It serves as a brick-and-mortar testament of MLB’s commitment to urban youth. Major League Baseball, under the leadership of Commisioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig and due in large part to the efforts of Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Jimmie Lee Solomon, set out four facets to its Urban Youth Initiative:
- grow the game of baseball while, at the same time, cultivating diversity in all aspects of the game.
- make meaningful contributions to the development of urban communities
- provide safe, organized recreational activities for urban youth
- prepare urban high school players for college and professional baseball and softball programs.
Commisioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig and Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Jimmie Lee Solomon