NABI Baseball Invitational 2008 FAQ

Why NABI Baseball in 2008?
Given the extraordinary success of NABI’s Basketball Invitational and the acceptance of the NABI brand in Native American communities throughout North America, we wanted to extend our reach and potential influence to our Native American youth that play baseball and softball at a high school level. This is particularly important since the NABI Foundation will be launched in 2008 as well.

In addition, a big part of our effort is to promote the sport itself. Baseball has a long history in Native American communities. Sadly, in some communities baseball is not what it once was. A number of tribes have approached us to help re-establish baseball as a choice of recreation, individual growth, and opportunity for their children.

What is the NABI Foundation?
The recently established NABI Foundation’s mission is to use sports as a tool to create opportunities for higher education and teach positive life skills to Native American youth. The intent of the Foundation is to foster a generation of leaders by providing the spark that ignites Native American youth to set their sites higher, make the most of their potential, and reach their dreams through sports and higher education.
The Foundation will be responsible for the creating and implementing of programs that serve Native American youth such as NABI summer sports clinics, NABI curriculum and NABI Scholarship Fund.

When is the Tournament scheduled for 2008?
The 2008 NABI Baseball Invitational Tournament is schedule for July 5– 9th in Phoenix, Arizona.

What is the Tournament format?
The Tournament will consist of two 16 team double elimination tournaments - boys competing in baseball and girls competing in fast-pitch softball. While girls may participate in boys play, boys are exempt from girls play. Each tournament will consist of 4 regional brackets. The two finalists from each tournament will compete in a winner-take-all championship game. National Federation of State High Association rules will apply.

Currently, discussions are underway with a number of prominent tribes who have expressed the desire to serve as hosts of NABI sanctioned regional play. While our intent is to have a number of such regional partners in place for the 2008 Tournament, going forward we intend to have sanctioned regional partners. Each region will advance four teams into its respective bracket of the
NABI Baseball Tournament.

Who can play?
The Tournament consists of Native American high school level team play under the direct supervision of at least one adult coach. All players must submit proof of tribal affiliation and academic progress beyond the high school freshman level. Graduating seniors are eligible to participate so long as they are under 19 years of age.

Who is supporting the Tournament so far?
Because of the past success of the NABI Basketball Invitational, support for baseball has been high. The Arizona Diamondbacks are partners as well as a number of Native American leaders have also lent their support including, Tex G. Hall, Former President National Congress of American Indians and Ernie Stephens, President of the National Indian Gaming Association. Notable baseball dignitaries are also lining up including Roland Hemond, 3-time MLB Executive of the Year, and Trey Hillman, Manager, KC Royals and others. Our intention is to have at least one prominent Native American professional baseball player as Honorary Commissioner prior to the 2008 Tournament along with the endorsement of Major League Baseball and other regionally affiliated MLB franchises.