OTTAWA-For Fredericton Minor Baseball, it was an easy decision to make in taking the necessary steps to become RBI Approved (Reaching Baseball Ideals).
Organized baseball has been played in the Fredericton area for more than 50 years and FMBA was formed in its current state in 1998.
“It was our associations desire to align ourselves with many of the goals and objectives of Baseball Canada and Baseball New Brunswick,” said FMBA President Paul Hornibrook.
As such, Fredericton Minor Baseball has become the 19th minor baseball association across Canada to achieve RBI Approved status, and also, the fourth association in the province of New Brunswick to do so.
Hornibrook is quick to point out that new programs being used by the association, like Rally Cap and My First Pitch, are having a positive impact on baseball in Fredericton.
“Programs offered such as Rally Cap and My First Pitch allows us to teach consistently with the same material to all the coaches,” he explained. “Rally Cap provided more structure to our (initiation) program than T-Ball.
“We expect that our increase and quality of play for the kids will be seen in the years ahead.”
It also helps your programs when a former big-league player who is actively involved in amateur baseball is available to lend their expertise and knowledge of the game.
This former player happens to be current Baseball Canada Vice President and former MLB All-Star Jason Dickson.
“Having Jason Dickson living in Fredericton helped us deliver the My First Pitch program to coaches and kids in February,” said Hornibrook. “To learn and listen to a former professional player was a fantastic experience for the players and coaches.”
In addition to Hornibrook, FMBA volunteers Jason Fitzgerald and Keri Brideau along with Baseball New Brunswick Executive Director David Dion played a part in FMBA becoming RBI Approved.
Hornibrook is excited for the future of minor baseball in Fredericton.
“Now that we’re RBI Approved, we’ll have a consistent delivery of skills and techniques and good optics for our baseball program.”
To find out more about the RBI Program and how your association can become RBI Approved please click the link below:
