Macon Magazine

April/May 2026 | maconmagazine.com 81 $25 registration fee, it didn't matter. We took care of it." Each team is intentionally diverse. Franchesca attends the Academy for Classical Education (ACE), but many of her teammates came from schools across Middle Georgia. Bringing girls together from different communities is a key part of the program's mission, according to Battcher and the softball director, Coach Bernard Snell. "I believe in diversity, so I like bringing girls in from all backgrounds," said Snell. "That's what we try to do. But we especially want to motivate and create opportunities for girls in the inner city." Snell says building teams this way allows players to learn from one another. By sharing the field with teammates from different schools, neighborhoods, and life experiences, the girls gain a deeper understanding of each other and the value of working together. "I still keep in touch with a lot of them, actually," said Divert. "We all came from different schools, but kind of the same area. So, when I'd play softball, basketball, or run track for school, I'd still see them at basketball games or at track meets. Even though we were on different teams, afterward we'd always go hang out, say hey, and catch up." Divert said she did not fully realize it at the time, but she sees clearly now that playing on the RBI softball team was teaching her lessons off the field. Lessons about perseverance. About teamwork. About supporting others even when you are competing for the same position. Lessons that players like Maliyha Simmons are learning right now. Maliyha is a senior at Central High School who, like Franchesca, has been playing softball most of her life. "It's been fun meeting new people, meeting challenges, and just having fun playing as a team," said Simmons. "And making new friends." Macon RBI also gives players opportunities to travel across the state and the southeastern region. For some players, these trips are their first time leaving Macon. "Some of those kids had never been on an airplane before in their lives," said Battcher. "They're learning how to order food in a restaurant, how to handle M A C O N R B I B Y T H E N U M B E R S Behind the scenes, running the Macon RBI program takes significant coordination, community support, and resources each year. The program provides uniforms, equipment, field access, coaching, and tournament opportunities for young athletes across Macon- Bibb County. In order to keep participation accessible to families, much of the cost is covered through sponsorships, donations, and volunteer support. According to program leaders, it takes about $150,000 each year to operate the Macon RBI program locally. That funding helps cover everything from equipment and uniforms to travel and tournament play, allowing young athletes to compete and grow through the game. Community support plays a major role in making the program possible. How the community can help People interested in supporting Macon RBI can do so in several ways: Make a financial donation to support equipment, uniforms, and travel Volunteer as a coach or mentor Help connect the program with local sponsors or partners Every contribution helps ensure that young athletes in Macon have the opportunity to step onto the field, develop their skills, and be part of something bigger than the game. To learn more, visit MaconRBI.org. "It's been fun meeting new people, meeting challenges, and just having fun playing as a team, and making new friends." ABOVE RIGHT Coaches like Bernard Snell help RBI players succeed. LEFT RBI softball players practice on Anthony Road.

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