Nationals expand partnership with Inova Sports Medicine to provide uniforms for Northern Virginia youth baseball leagues

Today, the Washington Nationals announced the expansion of the Nationals Youth Baseball Uniform Program into Northern Virginia, in partnership with Inova Sports Medicine, the official hospital network and sports medicine partner of the Nationals. The Nationals Youth Baseball Uniform Program was launched in 2015 in an effort to support and promote kids playing baseball and softball in the area. The Uniform Program provides, at no cost to the leagues, a Nationals T-shirt or jersey and cap to every child playing baseball or softball in a District of Columbia-sanctioned Little League or the District of Columbia Parks and Recreation Rookie League. By providing the uniforms at no cost to the leagues and families, the Nationals aim to break down and minimize financial barriers that can prevent kids from playing baseball. "Based on our experiences in D.C., we anticipate being able to help Northern Virginia youth baseball leagues redirect a quarter of a million dollars into other operations by saving money on their uniforms," said Gregory McCarthy, vice president of community engagement for the Washington Nationals. "We're delighted to provide youth players another connection to their hometown Major League team." Inova Sports Medicine and the Nationals are proud that the Virginia District 4 Little League and Virginia District 7 Cal Ripken Babe Ruth leagues will now enjoy the same benefits as Little League participants in the District of Columbia. "We are thrilled to serve Northern Virginia Little League athletes and provide VIP priority access to the best sports medicine care," said Dr. Robin West, chairman of Inova Sports Medicine, and lead team physician for the Washington Nationals. "No matter what age, sport or ability, every patient will be treated like a professional athlete by Inova Sports Medicine physicians." In addition, Inova Sports Medicine will offer free adult education events that the participating Northern Virginia leagues can utilize as a benefit of this partnership. Educational topics include emergency preparedness and first-aid, injury prevention, and hydration and nutrition guidelines for athletes. With the addition of 4,500 kids in Northern Virginia, there will be more than 8,300 youth players in the metro area wearing Nationals-branded uniforms during the 2017 spring season. Youth players are also given the opportunity to experience a Major League game at Nationals Park through a complimentary ticket offer, and connect with Nationals players as they visit the leagues throughout the season. More information can be found at nationals.com/community. On Saturday, April 22, representatives from the Nationals front office, the Racing Presidents, and staff from Inova Sports Medicine will participate in the Reston-Herndon Little League Opening Day parade and celebration, when youth baseball participants will be dressed in their new Nationals uniforms.