Major League Baseball will host the 16th annual Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) World Series presented by KPMG at venues throughout the Los Angeles area, including the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California, August 6-17. The RBI World Series is the championship round of the RBI program, the Major League Baseball youth baseball and softball initiative presented by KPMG LLP.

"As we launch the 16th annual RBI World Series, it is important to note that these games feature more than just great baseball and softball," said Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner of Baseball. "This year we have been able to recognize and reward the off-field talents of many young athletes through the RBI for RBI scholarship program, jointly funded by Major League Baseball and KPMG. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I congratulate every player and coach who has reached the Series. RBI is a great example of Major League Baseball's commitment to reaching out to and providing boys and girls the opportunity to play the game and improve their lives."

In addition to the round robin RBI World Series tournament, participating teams will attend Major League Baseball games and welcome receptions that feature guest speakers such as Don Newcombe, Director of Community Relations, Los Angeles Dodgers; Sharon Robinson, daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and MLB Educational programming consultant; Tom Brasuell, Vice President, Community Affairs, Major League Baseball; Tim Flynn, Chairman and CEO, KPMG; Bruce Pfau, Vice Chair, Human Resources of KPMG and Princess Palmer, Partner for KPMG.

Earlier this year, RBI presented by KPMG program announced the "RBI for RBI" scholarship Fund, a new initiative created by Major League Baseball and KPMG to provide financial support in the form of scholarships to selected recipients who participate in an RBI League. Six $5,000 "RBI for RBI" scholarships are being awarded to select high school seniors. This year's recipients will be recognized on Wednesday evening at the welcome reception of the RBI World Series presented by KPMG.

RBI and the RBI World Series presented by KPMG are supported by KPMG and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation -- which are committed to helping expand and enhance the program. KPMG, which became the first presenting sponsor of the RBI Program in June of 2007, assists RBI with expanding and enhancing the program and through the development of financial literacy and other life skills courses. In addition to the more than 250 volunteers who supported this year's RBI Regional presented by KPMG tournaments, KPMG volunteers will assist in facilitating the 2008 RBI World Series.

"Over a thousand of our employees have served RBI this year as volunteers and have found working with these youth tremendously rewarding. We are all very proud to contribute to such a worthwhile program," said Tim Flynn, Chairman and Chief Executive of KPMG LLP. "We salute the regional winners on their achievements and wish them the best of luck in the World Series."

Since it was established in 1989, the RBI program has provided a path for many players to enter the college and professional game. More than 180 RBI participants have been drafted by Major League Clubs in the program's 19-year history.