Palm Bay teams with major leagues for ‘Play Ball Month’

The city of Palm Bay is teaming up with Major League Baseball to become a “Play Ball” city. The initiative promotes baseball-related activities to engage everyone in the community.

“Play Ball Month” will officially begin on Aug. 8 when boys and girls 6-14 years old will take part in a pitch, hit and run event at 9 a.m. at the Liberty Park Sports Complex.

On Aug. 29, the Brevard County Manatees will host a Space Coast League All-Start Game and a youth baseball clinic before their home game.

A total of 125 cities around the country are participating in “Play Ball Month.” To learn more, visit Playball.org and PlayPalmBay.com.

“Baseball is the great American pastime and is so rich with nostalgia,” Mayor William Capote said. “It helps unite communities and families and I hope everyone will come out and participate in one of these events and also take the opportunity during the month to sign up for a league. It's all about just getting out there and playing the game, so let's ‘Play Ball’ Palm Bay!”

Mayor Capote also sought help from a few Major League Baseball players to promote the effort. San Francisco Giants Pitcher and Palm Bay native Chris Heston recently recorded a video promo to help spread the word. He was joined by fellow Giants Pitcher Tim Hudson and members of the Palm Bay West Little League. The videos will be used throughout the month on the city's website and social media pages to promote the initiative.