CommunityOfficial spokesmen of the program, Manager Eric Wedge and Shortstop Jhonny Peralta's goal is to touch the lives of our youngest fans, and reward them for academic achievement. Students K-8 are rewarded points for good grades, perfect attendance and reaching reading goals. Accumulated points allow students to win Indians prizes, game tickets, first pitches and more! This entirely free program also hosts High Achievers Only booths at Sunday Kids Fun Day on the Gateway Plaza, incorporating fun activities and Signature Sundays.
This educational initiative supported by Indians DH Travis Hafner and wife Amy, Pronk's Peeps, is a program administered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland and designed to address life and self-esteem skills for Cleveland Metropolitan School District 7th graders enrolled in the program. In 2008, BGCC facilitated Character and Leadership Development programs for 7th graders in 23 CMSD schools. The purpose is to influence positive decision making with respect to peer pressure, gangs, healthy relationships and drugs in the Passport to Manhood and SMART Girls programs.
"Tribe Reporter for a Day" is designed to provide area students aspiring to become sports journalists an inside look at the industry. Prior to a Tribe game, students grades 9-12 discuss the journalism industry with Indians Plain Dealer Beat Writer, Paul Hoynes, observed a press conference in the Progressive Field Press Interview Room with Manager Eric Wedge, interview Indians players and prepare a story of the experience. The winning story is published in the Plain Dealer Education Corner and indians.com. This year's Tribe Reporter for a Day is scheduled for April 2009. Check back on indians.com to read the winning essay.
Cleveland Indians Charities, in partnership with Cleveland State University, provides an annual scholarship to a CSU minority student athlete based on athletic ability and financial need. The scholarship is named after baseball legend and Hall of Fame outfielder, Larry Doby, the first African-American baseball player to integrate the American League. He was a power-hitting center fielder and a key member of Cleveland's pennant winners in 1948 and 1954.
Each year on April 15th, the Cleveland Indians join Major League Baseball by celebrating the anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier throughout baseball. On this date back in 1947, Robinson became the first African-American to play for a Major League Baseball team. In honor of Robinson, select Indians players pay a special tribute to Robinson by wearing an Indians #42 jersey. A special on-field presentation also takes place honoring diversity suppliers, the legacy of Jackie Robison and the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation was established to help young people overcome obstacles, as it awards scholarships annually to full-time college students. The 2008 winner, Ohio Wesleyan University Junior Alexander Aguilar, participated in the special pre-game ceremony throwing out the first pitch. For more information on the Jackie Robinson Foundation, log on to www.jackierobinson.org.
