All Major League Baseball teams and many Minor League affiliates participate each year in PLAY BALL Weekend. The Salt Lake Bees will take part in that event this June 5 and 6 at The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan.

The event, for players ages 5-12, includes clinics for both baseball and softball. Times both days are from 10 a.m. to noon, and this is the fourth year that the Bees have participated.

PLAY BALL Weekend will feature events on six continents as part of a worldwide effort to inspire participation in baseball and softball through over 200 activities hosted by MLB, MLB Clubs, MiLB & Partner League Clubs, MLB’s international offices and youth league partners. Major League Baseball is working to grow baseball and softball participation around the world. In Asia, PLAY BALL Weekend will be celebrated in Japan, India, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. In addition, events marking the occasion will take place in the U.K., Australia, Dominican Republic and Brazil.

“It’s a great chance for youth to meet coaches and players, including many college and high school players and some from the Bees,” Peter Callahan said, youth sports manager for Miller Sports + Entertainment. “There is a huge number of youth in sports programs across the state, probably 30-40 rec centers with great programming, and our numbers of participants each year has put us in the Top 5 of all minor league teams.”

The clinics are free but do involve advance signups, which can be accomplished by clicking on the Salt Lake Bees website. Players will receive coaching on all aspects of the game, plus receive a free T-shirt.