Macon RBI program seeks donations to help cover equipment costs for baseball players

Now in its second year, Macon's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities league has seen an increase of more than 100 youths sign up to swing the bats this season.

Better known as RBI, the league has seen the number of participants swell from 225 last year to more than 325. And even though the season officially began Saturday, parents were still signing up their youngsters this week, said Jeff Battcher, local administrator of the program.

But with growth comes the need for additional uniforms and equipment. Battcher said the organization that prides itself on offering opportunities for everyone, including those whose families can't afford to pay for equipment or registration fees, still needs equipment. That includes bats, balls, helmets and catchers' equipment for 13 boys baseball teams and seven girls softball teams that play at Tom Fontaine Park near Henderson Stadium.

"All manner of equipment we're in desperate need of," said Battcher, who estimates that the league is about $3,000 shy of having enough money to cover its needs this season.

"The mere fact that we have 330 to 340 kids playing baseball, the vast majority of them not playing the year before, is a testament to this program," Battcher said. "And the reason they weren't playing in the past was because it's expensive."

RBI, an initiative of Major League Baseball, has about 200 affiliates across the country. The Macon league is among its newest.

Anyone wishing to donate can text "RBI" to 717-77 or log onto the United Way of Central Georgia's website and click on the RBI link. People also may send checks made out to Macon RBI by mail to United Way of Central Georgia, P.O. Box 1302, Macon, GA 31202.

United Way is matching dollar-for-dollar any amount of money raised by the public, and if donations exceed this year's need, the money will be used for next season, Battcher said.

Battcher said RBI also needs coaches and volunteers this season. Anyone interested should call Battcher at 404-713-0274.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Macon RBI program seeks donations to help cover equipment costs for baseball players ."