Frank Alameda, On-site Coordinator
917.44.6381

Janice Torres, Press Officer
SBW Inc./ 212.363.0140
Janice@SocialButterfliesatWork.com

R. Paniagua Inc. And LatinoBaseball.com’s
Urban Youth Baseball Initiative Tour Visits Houston

Seven-city tour, in conjunction with the local MLB teams to deliver support and Spalding baseball equipment to youth baseball teams in inner-city communities.

Arrives in Houston on Sunday, July 20th, from 1pm to 6:30pm at Hidalgo Park
Sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

The Houston Astros to participate in a day of fun on the field for local youth.

(Houston, TX)- R. Paniagua Inc. and LatinoBaseball.com bring The Urban Youth Baseball Initiative Tour to Houston, Texas. The second city of seven, during a summer long tour to distribute Spalding baseball equipment to hundreds of Inner city youth baseball teams, (Ages 10-13) in the key U.S Hispanic markets. The program celebrates the Latino Legacy in Baseball and supports the continued growth of the sport within the Latino community. The event will take place on Sunday, July 20th, from 1-6:30pm, at the Hidalgo Park, Located at 7000 Avenue Q, Houston, TX 77011.

The citywide youth baseball tournament allows these youth the opportunity to play organized baseball with local Houston teams, in a safe and fun environment. The Initiative, sponsored by State Farm Insurance, will donate 3,600 gloves, baseballs and 2,000 wooden bats to teams in need across the United States, during the month of July and September. In addition, The UYBI will present 50 equipment bags to the local little leagues during a 4-hour program.

In a partnership with local major league baseball team, the Houston Astros will treat the youngsters to will special clinics that included instruction in Infield, Outfield, Hitting and Pitching. The four-hour program will cap off the day with a special home run derby. Two local teams will be selected to play the Championship tournament.

The tour kicked off in New York City, during the Spirit of All Star Week, on July 13th. Veteran Yankee scout, César Presbott and his team of coaches were also on-site to help guide the youth through. The young players even had a chance to slug with Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Juan Marichal. “I did not have it easy, we played on dirt roads, we came here and did not speak the language, we faced prejudice, but we came a long way, and today I am proud of you all.” said Puerto Rican born Cepeda. From the field to the stands, all attentively listened to the words of a living legend. That moment was a reminder that the history of Baseball cannot be told without mention of the influence of the Latino players.

Today more than 25 percent of the league's players are Latinos and it is projected that in 10 years, 50 percent of the league will be predominately Hispanic.

“Between players like Cepeda, Juan Marichal, current Latino superstars like Juan Gonzalez, Sammy Sosa, Bernie Williams, Pedro Martinez and Alex Rodriguez, Latinos have made great contributions to the sport of baseball”, said Ralph Paniagua, founder and CEO of RPI.

Latino players have overcome many adversities and many have become models for the American dream. It's the story of achieving great success despite having little or nothing to begin with. This mission of this initiative is to continue Latino traditions in baseball through our youth.

“State Farm is a proud sponsor of the Urban Youth Baseball Initiative. By supporting this event, we are showing our commitment to providing youth the opportunity to engage in team sport activities in our communities. We are very excited to help hundreds of inner city youth by donating baseball equipment as part of the 7 city tour”. , said Diana Rael, Director Multicultural Markets for State Farm Insurance.

State Farm Insurance presents the Urban Youth Baseball Initiative tour and is co- sponsored in New York by Spalding, US Army, NY Presbyterian, Pepsi, Wise Snacks, US Army, Pepsi Cola, SBS Broadcasting and LatinoBaseBall.com.

UYBI Tour Schedule:
(7/13)- Yankees - Bronx, NY
(7/20)- Astros - Houston, TX
(7/27)- Marlins-Miami, FL
(8/03)- Cubs-Chicago, IL
(8/10) Rangers- Los Angeles, CA
(8/24)- Diamondbacks- Phoenix, AZ

About State Farm Insurance-
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,000 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 77 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 32 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. In addition, State Farm has been recognized by Black Enterprise magazine as on of the Top 40 companies for diversity and Latina Style 50 as one of the Top 50 companies for Latinas to work. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®

About LatinoBaseball.com-
The premiere on-line website known as LATINOBASEBALL.COM, the most complete website for Latino Baseball fans. The success of Latino Baseball.com, in promoting the positive images of Latino Image in baseball has given way of creating events such as the Hispanic Heritage Day at the Ballpark; at key US Major League Baseball stadiums, Hispanic Achievement Awards program; honoring excellence in education and to be the first to broadcast The Caribbean Baseball World Series (CWS) in the U.S. Market.

About RPI- R. Paniagua Inc. (RPI) is an integrated marketing and events firm, that since 1985 has provided TV, online and print content targeting the U.S. Hispanic market. RPI Inc. is one of the most unique marketing firms in the U.S. specializing in sports and entertainment grassroots programs for the Latino community.

Directions to Hidalgo Park, Houston, TX

From Downtown:
Southeast on Rusk St toward La Branch St, Left at Chartres St, Right at Franklin St, Continue on Navigation Blvd, Turn right to stay on Navigation Blvd, Left at SSgt Macario Garcia Dr, right at Avenue Q

From I-45:
Head south on I-45 S, Take exit 48A on the left to merge onto I-10 E toward Beaumont, Take exit 773A toward N Wayside Dr/US-90-ALT, Merge onto E Fwy , Turn right at N Wayside Dr, Turn left at Avenue Q

For more information please visit www.latinobaseball.com 

For further information, please contact Ralph Paniagua at 212-679-6755.

For Media Request, please contact Janice Torres at 212-363-0140