Major League Baseball has awarded 12 college scholarships, valued at $5,000 each per year, to select high school seniors who participate in the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program, the Major League Baseball youth baseball and softball initiative. The recipients are receiving the grants through the "RBI for RBI" Scholarship Fund, an initiative created in 2008 to provide financial support for deserving college-bound student-athletes who participate in a RBI league. Each of the scholarship recipients was selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities and financial need. "Through the RBI for RBI Scholarship program, Major League Baseball is pleased to recognize these student-athletes who have demonstrated dedication to achievement, and congratulate them on their academic and community accomplishments," said Tom Brasuell, Vice President, Community Affairs, Major League Baseball."

The 2011 RBI for RBI scholarship recipients are as follows (Name; Hometown; RBI League Name):

• Emily Ashbridge; Philadelphia, PA; Phillies RBI: Published contributor for the University of Pennsylvania Neurology Department
• Demetrius Baldwin; Rankin, PA; Pittsburgh RBI: Dormitory assistant and mentor at a preparatory school
• Alice Boone; Tyrone, GA; RBI of Atlanta: Founder of the non-profit Estate Cares, which distributes living essentials to non-profits in Atlanta area
• Marcus Brumfield; Terry, MS; Jackson RBI: Serves as an Assistant Youth Leader through a local church
• Lorenzo Harris; Richmond, VA; Richmond RBI: Volunteers in his Richmond neighborhood to promote community development
• Marleny Heredia; Bronx, NY; Harlem RBI: Member of the School Leadership Team
• Jordan Kinney; Kansas City, MO; Kansas City RBI: Member of Executive Committee of NAACP Youth Council
• Fanta Magassouba; New York, NY; Harlem RBI: Volunteers at a hospital and day care center
• Justin Molina; Houston, TX; Houston RBI: Helps coach a youth baseball team
• Antonio Saavedra; Placentia, CA; Angels RBI: Volunteers through RBI as a coach and mentor
• Tyrell Shivers; Orange, NJ; Jersey City RBI: Volunteers through multiple community organizations
• Miguel Vasquez; Placentia, CA; Angels RBI: Volunteers through RBI as a coach and mentor

The scholarships provide each recipient the opportunity to pursue any field of study at any accredited two-or four-year college, university or vocational school in the United States and Puerto Rico. The need-based payments of up to $5,000 per year may be renewed for up to three years beyond the initial year, or until the award recipient has earned his or her training certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree. The "RBI for RBI" scholarship fund is administered and funded by MLB. The scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2011 RBI World Series in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.

About Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI)
The RBI program is the Major League Baseball youth initiative designed to provide opportunities to play baseball and softball, to encourage excellence and achievement in education and to teach the value of teamwork and other important life lessons to underserved young people, ages 5 to 18, from urban communities. The RBI program provides more than 200,000 boys and girls the opportunity to play baseball and softball in more than 300 programs established in more than 200 cities worldwide. MLB and its Clubs have designated more than $30 million worth of resources to the RBI program, and all 30 Clubs support RBI leagues. For more information, please visit: http://www.mlb.com/rbi.

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