The Chicago Park District announced that registration is available for the citywide Chicago Youth Baseball and Softball Tournament (CYBST). For the third consecutive year, the Chicago Park District has teamed up with Cubs Charities and White Sox Charities to host the sports competition for inner city baseball and softball teams.
The tournament is part of the Play Ball Initiative, which is Major League Baseball (MLB) and USA Baseball’s largest effort to encourage widespread participation in both formal and informal baseball and softball activities.
“We are grateful for the partnership we have with the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox, which help our young athletes develop skills, leadership and sportsmanship, while staying active, safe and engaged in our parks,” said Michael P. Kelly, Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. “Providing these kinds of opportunities also benefit the growth of America’s favorite pastime.”
This unique sports program provides the opportunity for Chicago’s youth from different parks across the city to meet, and socialize on and off the field during the friendly competition. Last year, 36 teams - 30 baseball and 6 softball - totaling 720 players participated in the tournament which culminated in a grand celebration and get-together. The winning team received a travel trophy to put on display in their home park.
“The Cubs are committed to helping Chicago’s kids play ball while cultivating championship attitudes through diamond sports,” said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. “We are happy to team up with the City of Chicago and the White Sox for the third year in a row as we continue to watch youth develop new skills and foster a love for the game through this annual tournament.”
“The Chicago White Sox believe that baseball is a game for all, and we are passionate about sharing the game of baseball with the city’s next generation of fans. From our inner-city youth baseball programs, such as our Amateur City Elite (ACE) program, to our support of Little Leagues throughout the Chicagoland area, we are dedicated to building pathways to baseball and education,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, White Sox Chairman. “We are proud to team up with the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and the Chicago Cubs to bring this opportunity back for a third year, inviting our kids to play safely, while learning important teamwork and sportsmanship skills that will be helpful far beyond the field.”
This year, the citywide competition will take place at the UIC Curtis Granderson Stadium, located at 901 W. Roosevelt, from July 27 to July 30.
Coaches are encouraged to register their baseball and softball teams to play in the tournament through July 13.
Participants and teams must meet the following requirements to be eligible to play:
· Baseball players must be 12 years and under, and softball team participants must be 14 years and under.
· All teams must be operating in a Chicago Park District location to be eligible to compete.
· Coaches must provide a final roster before Thursday, July 20 at UIC. Download a copy of the roster format that must be used here.
The Chicago Park District offers a variety of athletic programs for youth and teens to receive training necessary for competition at various levels with an emphasis on learning basic skills and incorporating the rules of fair play and sportsmanship.
For questions regarding the application process, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/cybst.