Mayor's Play Ball Returns to Orion Township for a Day of Youth Baseball Fun
Orion Township will host a free, MLB‑sponsored youth baseball event on August 1, 2026, inviting children between the ages of four and twelve to experience the sport in a supportive, skill‑building environment.
Supervisor Chris Barnett, who is spearheading the initiative, emphasized that the Mayor’s Play Ball event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all experience levels without requiring any prior knowledge of the game.
The program, backed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Major League Baseball, will take place from noon until 3 p.m. at Friendship Park, located at 3380 Clarkston Road in Orion Township, Michigan.
Organizers have arranged a series of clinics that cover fundamental skills such as hitting, fielding, and base running, while also offering opportunities for more advanced players to refine their techniques.
Every participant will receive a complimentary shirt and a selection of goodies, reinforcing the event’s focus on fun and community engagement rather than competition.
Local families are encouraged to bring their children to the park, where the atmosphere will be lively, music will play, and volunteers will be on hand to assist with equipment and guidance.
A Community‑Driven Celebration of Sport
Beyond the immediate baseball instruction, the gathering serves as a platform for neighbors to connect, for local businesses to showcase support, and for the township to demonstrate its investment in youth development.
Mayor Barnett expressed optimism that events like Play Ball will inspire a new generation of athletes and contribute to the township’s vibrant community spirit.