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Major League scores this October with Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities program presented by KPMG

10/01/2008 2:25 PM ET MLB.com

Eight alumni of the Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities (RBI) presented by KPMG program are expected to play in the Postseason this October. Carl Crawford (); and Manny Delcarmen (); James Loney and James McDonald (); CC Sabathia and Yovani Gallardo (Milwaukee Brewers) and (), have all participated in RBI programs and could potentially play major roles in their Clubs' quest to advance to and win the . RBI is a program that was started in 1989 to provide underserved youth with an opportunity to play baseball and softball and learn valuable life lessons that will help them score on an off the field. More than one million kids have gone through the program since its inception.

The Postseason kicks-off today with a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies. RBI alumni will square off in the first game when Yovani Gallardo, the Brewers starting as the team makes their first postseason appearance in over 25 years, will face 2007 MVP Jimmy Rollins.

RBI is designed to promote interest in the sport and encourage kids to stay in school and off the streets. RBI programs have been started in more than 200 cities worldwide, and annually have provided as many as 120,000 boys and girls the opportunity to play baseball and softball.

"The RBI program is a great example of 's commitment to providing boys and girls the opportunity to play the game and improve their lives," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "RBI is helping young players get to the major leagues and this year's post season will showcase RBI alumni competing for a chance to help their teams win a World Series."

This year, seven current and former RBI participants were selected in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, including Atlanta RBI members Xavier Avery (2nd round Pick 50 by the ) and Joseph "Jay" Austin (2nd round Pick 56 by the Houston Astros).

Earlier this year, Major League Baseball hosted the 16th annual Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) World Series presented by KPMG at venues throughout the Los Angeles area, including the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California. The RBI World Series is the championship round of the RBI program.

Typical RBI leagues operate from May to August and are divided into five divisions for local league play: Freshman Boys (13-14 year olds), Junior Boys (15 - 16 year olds), Senior Boys (17 - 18 year olds) and Girls Softball (14 and under and 18 and under). MLB and its Clubs have designated more than $30 million worth of resources to the RBI program and all 30 Major League Baseball Clubs have supported RBI programs. KPMG is the presenting sponsor of the RBI program. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Outdoor Cap and Rawlings also support the program.

Former scout and Major Leaguer John Young developed the RBI concept in Los Angeles in 1989. MLB assumed administration of RBI in 1991 and manages the program in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the official charity of MLB. Since it was established in 1989, the RBI program has provided a path for many players to enter the college and professional game. More than 180 RBI participants have been drafted by Major League Clubs in the program's 19-year history.

Additional information about RBI presented by KPMG can be found on www.mlb.com/rbi.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. MLB.com