Release posted on 04-11-23 at 5:15 p.m.

The St. Petersburg Police Department is partnering with the Tampa Bay Rays to hold a free girls' softball clinic at the Trop, 9:30 a.m. - noon, on April 15th, Jackie Robinson Day. Softball Olympian Michele Smith and Police Chief Anthony Holloway and a Rays organization representative will be available for media interviews from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Information Specialist Ashley Limardo will be the media contact 727-269-8155.

The Tampa Bay Rays generously offered to host the clinic to help generate interest in softball as a local youth sport for girls. The purpose of the clinic is to introduce girls to the sport and help recruit young players to launch a new softball league targeting underserved communities in St. Petersburg.

"I appreciate the Tampa Bay Rays stepping up to the plate to help young girls in our community. Just like boys, girls need the positive life lessons that can be learned from team sports. I hope the Softball Clinic is the first step in building new girls' softball teams in St. Pete," said Anthony Holloway, Chief of Police.

The St. Petersburg Police dept. would provide funds to pay for the field fees for the future new teams. The funding would come from a grant for youth sports from the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) focusing on youth and community engagement, to provide positive activities for kids and teens.

Softball Olympian Michele Smith is assisting with promoting the Clinic and the new league. St. Petersburg Parks and Rec will play a big role in the registration and administration of the new softball teams. Non-profit organizations such as CFY and Ashley Family Foundation have agreed to provide funds for equipment, uniforms, etc.