A Summer to Remember: Detroit Nike RBI Makes History on National Stage

Detroit’s softball, senior and junior baseball teams went undefeated at regional tournaments; softball squad won Nike RBI World Series for the first time in program history

The summer of 2025 was a landmark season for Detroit’s Nike RBI program, as all three teams — junior baseball, senior baseball and softball — swept their regional tournaments and advanced to the Nike RBI World Series for the first time in history.

The crown jewel came when Detroit’s softball team capped an undefeated summer by defeating Roberto Clemente RBI, 3-1, to capture the city’s first-ever Nike RBI Softball World Series championship at the Jackie Robinson Complex in Vero Beach, Florida.

“This program gave me a chance as a kid, and now I’m giving it back,” said Tim McEvoy, who once played for Detroit’s Nike RBI team and now coaches the senior baseball squad. “To be on this stage again, but as a coach, it feels full circle.”

Softball brings home Detroit’s first title

Detroit softball stormed through regional and World Series play without a loss, fueled by dominant pitching and a lineup that thrived under pressure.

MVP Sasha Walker delivered a performance for the ages in the championship game, throwing more than 100 pitches with nine strikeouts and just three hits allowed. She even added an RBI single at the plate.

“I felt like all eyes were on me in the final, but that just pushed me harder,” Walker said. “Detroit doesn’t always get credit, but we proved we can play with anybody in the country.”

Shortstop Sydney Evans, who recently graduated from Cass Technical High School and is committed to Hampton University, shared the victory with her twin sisters, making the championship moment even more meaningful.

“Playing with my sisters made this experience even more special,” Evans said. “Winning a championship with Detroit across your chest, that’s a dream.”

Walker said winning the Softball World Series for the first time in program history was extremely rewarding.

“It was amazing to see all our hard work pay off as well as make a name for Detroit,” Walker said. “It felt great to know that I played a big part in the game and helped better my team. People usually expect great talent from the south and often overlook Detroit, so I think winning gave light to the talent we have here. I think it shows girls all over Detroit that you can fulfill anything in the game.”

And although she’s proud of her MVP award, she doesn’t take any credit alone.

“Winning MVP of the series was a huge honor but honestly it feels like a team award,” Walker said. “I couldn't have done it without my teammates, coaches and knowing there was talent behind me on the field. Winning the award was totally unexpected but it felt great to be recognized in the end. Receiving MVP means a lot to me but winning the championship with my team is what I'm most proud of.”

Senior baseball makes quarterfinal run

Detroit’s senior baseball team also impressed, reaching the quarterfinals before falling short against Indianapolis RBI. The run was a point of pride for McEvoy, who emphasized the resilience of his players.

“We knew the talent was there, but what made me proudest was their resilience,” McEvoy said. “Even when we faced adversity, they didn’t hang their heads.”

Outfielder Avery Myles echoed that sentiment.

“Detroit is grit. That’s how we play. That’s how we live,” Myles said. “This team is family. We had each other’s backs no matter what.”

First baseman Juan Torres said the ride to the World Series taught him as much about community as it did about competition.

“I wanted to do it for the boys,” Torres said. “For Detroit. For everybody who believed in us.”

Junior baseball reaches title game

Detroit’s junior baseball squad also pushed deep into its tournament, advancing to the championship game before falling to the Dodgers Dreamteam Junior RBI, 5-2.

Head coach Matt Williams, who grew up playing for Nike RBI in Detroit two decades ago, said the team’s energy and pride carried them all summer.

“When we got to Vero Beach and people heard us saying ‘What up doe,’ they knew right away where we were from,” Williams said. “That’s Detroit. That’s who we are.”

A program on the rise

Created in 1989, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities — now known as Nike RBI — is Major League Baseball’s youth outreach initiative, aiming to expand access to baseball and softball in underserved communities. Today, it reaches hundreds of organizations around the world, but Detroit’s summer sweep placed the city firmly in the national spotlight.

“RBI stands for Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities,” Williams said. “The program started with a goal of increasing African American participation in the game. I’ve never seen as many Black kids playing the game as I have lately — it’s a beautiful sight, and it’s competitive. We’re playing high-level baseball and getting noticed on and off the field.”

Williams also noted the breadth of Play Ball Detroit, the citywide initiative that feeds into RBI.

“Play Ball Detroit spans across five organizations. We’re connecting throughout the city, not just playing the game. Boys and girls are doing field cleanups, experiencing opening days, experiencing what it’s like to be at the ballpark. A lot of them might get to touch a Major League field for the first time.”

For the players, the experience will resonate long after the trophies were handed out.

“I hope some little girl watching says, ‘If she can do it, I can too,’” Walker said. “That’s what means the most.”

The Detroit Tigers have five Play Ball Detroit leagues; Detroit PAL, Eagle Sports Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Parks & Recreation and Rosedale-Grandmont Little League.

More than just wins

The three-team sweep of regionals marked the first time Detroit sent its entire program to the World Series since hosting in 2004 — but unlike then, each earned their spot outright.

For Williams, McEvoy and dozens of players who wore “Detroit” on their jerseys this summer, the accomplishment went beyond box scores.

“A lot of these players wouldn’t have these opportunities without the Tigers and Nike RBI,” McEvoy said. “This program is life changing.”

The Detroit Tigers Foundation, with support from Nike, covers all costs for athletes in the Nike RBI program — from travel to equipment. Earlier this summer, players received their gear during a visit to Comerica Park, and all three teams were recognized before the Tigers’ July 29 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2025 MLB World Series

As a reward for winning the softball World Series, three members of the Detroit team and one coach attended Game 2 of the 2025 MLB World Series in Toronto. Walker, along with teammates Sydney Evans, Taylor Bond and Assistant Coach Corey Bell were recognized on the field before the game.

“It's an honor to represent your community directly and play for a purpose,” Walker said when asked about the Nike RBI program. “Playing RBI the last two seasons has taught me a lot on how to quickly adapt to new environments and work together with teammates no matter the circumstance. The program has given me and my teammates opportunities we otherwise wouldn't have.

“The program covers all expenses, they have fantastic coaches and more than that, they care about us as people, not just players. The program has helped me grow not only as an athlete but as a young woman too.”

For the Tigers Nike RBI teams, the 2025 season was about more than wins. It was a celebration of grit, talent and community pride. From Walker’s MVP performance to the collective effort across three teams, the city’s young athletes are leaving a mark on the field and in neighborhoods across Detroit. With programs like Nike RBI providing opportunity, mentorship and exposure, these players are showing the future of Detroit baseball and softball is bright, competitive and full of promise.