Friday, January 25, 2013

Urban Invitational set for return trip to Houston

Four historically black colleges and universities will compete at Minute Maid Park

NEW YORK -- With another season comes another chance to make an impact with the fans of tomorrow. Major League Baseball announced plans for the sixth annual Urban Invitational on Thursday, and the three-day tourney will feature four historically black colleges and universities.

One team -- longtime power Southern University from Baton Rouge, La. -- will be playing in its sixth straight Urban Invitational, but the other three schools (Alabama State University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University) will be back for just the second time.

The showcase, part of MLB's ongoing efforts to highlight the passion for baseball within the inner-city communities of America, will take place in Houston for the second straight season. It will begin on Friday, Feb. 22, and the round-robin tournament will conclude on Sunday the 24th.

All of this year's games are scheduled for the Astros’ Minute Maid Park, but the Urban Youth Academy at Sylvester Turner Park will play host to a youth baseball clinic. Perhaps the best part for the teams involved? Saturday's games will air live on MLB Network and MLB.com.

Frank Robinson, one of the game's all-time great players and MLB's executive vice president of baseball development, said Thursday that the event is noteworthy for a number of reasons.

"Major League Baseball would like to congratulate the four teams and all the student-athletes who will be participating in this year’s Urban Invitational," said Robinson in a press release. "This annual event is an important and special opportunity for the sport to showcase the talent and skill level demonstrated by HBCU programs deserving of national attention. We are proud to work alongside the Astros organization to not only provide a wonderful experience for those playing the games on the field, but also offer opportunities away from the diamond for the Houston community."

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