TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Hundreds of kids came to Fifth Third Field on Sunday to enjoy America’s favorite pastime for the first Play Ball event in Toledo.
It is an effort sponsored by the City of Toledo, the Toledo Mud Hens, and Major League Baseball to help local youth build connections between sports and the local community. Kids ages five to twelve learned the basics of baseball at the sold-out event.
The children had the opportunity to run the bases, play a home run derby, train on pop-ups and grounders, focus on agility and work on their racket and ball game.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Erik Ibsen, General Manager of Toledo Mud Hens. “Team sports bring children together, they make friendships and memories, and they enable them to learn more about the game.”
The Toledo Mud Hens were one of the first minor league teams to host a play ball event in conjunction with major league baseball.
Sarah Padove, senior coordinator of baseball and softball development at MLB, said that while Play Ball is a national program, it is hoped the children will continue to be fans and engage with their community.
“They learn what you get from team sports,” said Padove. “You are learning leadership skills out there, teamwork, how to fail, honestly … that will hopefully stay with you for the rest of your life.”
Toledo teens learn baseball skills in Fifth Third Field for the “Play Ball” event(WTVG)
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