Arizona Diamondbacks Nike Jr. RBI League

(NJRL)

Developing youth student-athletes and promoting community in the heart of Arizona.

Season Highlights

See how we’ve grown from forty K–2 athletes to a multi-age group league partnered with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Nike Jr. RBI

    • Officially joined the Arizona Diamondbacks / Nike Jr. RBI (NJRL) league.

    • Expanded the league structure to include 3rd–5th grade divisions alongside the existing K–2nd foundation.

    • Coaching staff was fully led by the Arizona Diamondbacks, providing a professional and collaborative learning environment.

    • Focused primarily on the intangibles for older divisions, reinforcing discipline, hustle, and resilience in the face of failure.

    • Commenced player academic check-ins with all players’ primary homeroom teacher to promote the importance of being a true student-athlete.

    • Proudly brought organized baseball back to East Phoenix for the first time in nearly 10 years.

    • Launched with forty K–2 student-athletes competing across four inaugural teams.

    • Established a solid base through the support of local sponsors and community partners.

  • "The Home2First program has been the main component to revitalizing not only our Promise Field, but also a segment of our community."

    Dr. George Barnes, Balsz School District Superintendent

  • "Programs like this create opportunities for children and families who may not otherwise have access to competitive sports, mentorship, and positive role models. The support from the Diamondbacks and everyone involved helps create opportunities and memories these kids will carry with them forever!"

    Kacey Hoagey, Parent

  • "Coach Paul and Home2First completely changed his mindset. Eli has learned that failure is part of growth, and that hard work, repetition, and resilience lead to improvement. Today, he’s more confident, more resilient, and growing not just as a player, but as a person."

    Julio Rivera, Parent

  • "Your tremendous positive energy and passion for baseball have become contagious with many of the kids that Paul coaches and mentors."

    Darren Hill — Balsz School District 40+ Year Teacher & Coach

  • "You have not only taught my son how to be a better ball player, but more importantly to respect the game and be a better student and all around person."

    Matt Flores, Parent

Player Development

On-Field Practices

Learn the game with Arizona Diamondbacks and Nike Jr. RBI coaches. We focus on fundamentals and teamwork, helping new athletes build confidence through every play.

Guest Speakers

Get inspired by professionals like Scott Hairston, Shawn Estes, Hayden Seig, and Chris Snow. They share lessons on resilience, mentorship, and how to be a great teammate.

Player Contracts

Athletes sign a pledge to lead with character, respect their team, and always give their best effort. It’s about being an all-star player and human. We also use academic check-ups to ensure classroom success.

Classroom Sessions

Education comes first with our reading program featuring legends like Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and Yogi Berra. These readings reinforce the intangibles of the game: hard-work, teamwork, and resilience.

Every Moment, Captured.

We believe your memories shouldn't have a price tag. Visit our SmugMug portal to browse and download high-resolution game photos for free.

Open Free Photo Portal