MLB Sponsors USA Softball's Olympic Tour

USA Softball announced Thursday that Major League Baseball (MLB) will serve as the presenting sponsor of the "Stand Beside Her" tour.

Team USA, which will embark on a nationwide Olympic training tour beginning next month, will compete in the 2020 Tokyo Games as the No. 1 international softball team in the world. MLB's sponsorship of the team's "Stand Beside Her" tour will include USA Softball's participation in "Play Ball" events for children throughout the country.

"Major League Baseball is proud to support the women's national softball team and these world-class athletes on their journey to becoming Olympians," MLB's executive vice president of baseball development Tony Reagins said in a press release. "The players on Team USA share our commitment to growing softball, and we look forward to joining them as they inspire young women to play the sport. Representing your country on any international platform is an honor, but doing so on the Olympic stage is the pinnacle. We are thrilled to be along for their incredible ride."

MLB's sponsorship also allows for the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla. to become the official training facility of Team USA.

"USA Softball is extremely grateful for the support of Major League Baseball," USA Softball CEO Craig Cress said in the release. "The partnership and support of MLB provides members of the 2020 women's national team with access to support staff and resources they need to stand atop the podium and bring the gold back to the United States."

Softball will make its first appearance at the Summer Games since 2008 this July. The gold-medal game is scheduled for July 28.

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