Major League Baseball (MLB) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) announced the launch of a new partnership, starting with a programme for new Girl Scout Daisy troops emphasising fun and friendship while encouraging girls to play baseball and softball through MLB’s broader Play Ball initiative.
MLB will provide approximately 13,000 participating Girl Scout Daisies with 2,500 customized Girl Scout Daisy Play Ball kits, including Play Ball bat and ball sets, and other items. Additional supplies will include custom Daisy activity guides with instructional videos for troop leaders to encourage and teach young girls to play the game while getting to know their new troop through a safe, fun and accessible activity.
Girls Scouts will also participate in MLB's annual Play Ball Weekend from 14 to 16 June.
"To partner with such a well-established organization like Girl Scouts of the USA means that MLB is continuing to grow our game among girls, which is a priority for our sport," said Tony Reagins, Chief Baseball Development Officer, MLB. "We are poised to develop this partnership as we elevate the PLAY BALL initiative and reach new athletes who will be the future of our game."
"As a Girl Scout Lifetime Member, troop co-leader and MLB executive, it is a dream to see these wonderful organizations coming together to grow the game and develop young girls into leaders in the world," said April Brown, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility, MLB. "It is such an honor to work on both sides of this with MLB and Girl Scouts, and I look forward to a long-lasting partnership between both institutions."
"We are thrilled to begin our partnership with MLB, an iconic organization that shares our values and is, like Girl Scouts, part of the fabric of every community," said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA. "Becoming a Daisy is a special time in a Girl Scout’s journey, and we so appreciate MLB’s commitment to helping our new troops have an amazing first experience together through the Play Ball activities that will introduce them to baseball and softball."
