There may be 4 RBI programs in South Carolina

Major League Baseball has been involved in the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner cities) program for almost two decades. The program's purpose is to provide disadvantaged youth with opportunities to play baseball. It's part of baseball's efforts to reverse recent losses in the number of African-American players in the major leagues. Boston Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp is a former RBI player.

According to information on the MLB Web site, there were four RBI programs in South Carolina -- Anderson, Charleston, Spartanburg and Sumter (Shaw Air Force Base) -- as of 2007. In addition, there was one just across the border in Toccoa, Ga.

RBI information

2007 list of RBI programs

In addition to the RBI program, there is a Rookie League program designed to offer baseball instruction to younger children. According to MLB information, there were two Rookie League programs in South Carolina -- Greenville and Columbia -- as of 2007.

Rookie League information

2007 list of Rookie League programs

Perhaps we'll see some former RBI players playing for state colleges before too long.