New Balance announced the introduction of the Game Changer Award, a scholarship program to recognize high school athletes who are dedicated to “Changing the Game” both on the field and in their communities. Voting on 4 finalists homemade videos will begin on today and the winning athlete will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and New Balance merchandise to donate to a charity of their choice.
 
High school athletes submitted a written essay at www.nbgamechanger.com, detailing his or her efforts to “Change the Game” on and off the field, including specific examples of personal involvement on a team and in the community. The four finalists were then asked to document their accomplishments with a home video camera. The videos are now available on the Game Changer Award tab on the New Balance Baseball Facebook page, where the public is encouraged to vote for the athlete who best exemplifies New Balance’s “Change the Game” philosophy.
 
The four finalists are:
 
Cadyn Grenier:  From Henderson, NV, Cadyn is a 16-year old shortstop who volunteers at the Miracle League as well as with a local organization that serves meal to the homeless.
 
Satchel Deleo:  Satchel is a 16-year old short stop from Davis Junction, IL. He helped establish Wallbangers, a baseball and softball hitting facility where athletes can practice their hitting skills for free or at low rates.
 
Jakob Goldfarb:  A 17-year old outfielder from Scottsdale, AZ, Jakob is a volunteer buddy with the Miracle League of Arizona, an organization dedicated to helping children with mental and physical disabilities play baseball.
 
Marco Bugarello:  Marco, a 17-year old infielder, is active in many local charities in his hometown of Scottsdale, AZ, including the Harmon Killebrew Foundation and the Miracle League of Arizona, and is a youth coach at his church.
 
The winner will be announced at the New Balance Area Code Games on August 7, 2013 in Long Beach, CA, a tournament for the top players from across the country.
 
New Balance has set out to “Change the Game” of baseball and sports marketing by partnering with only those athletes who share our philosophy that doing good is just as important as doing well. “We are proud to associate our brand with athletes who share our values, believe in our brand, and are committed to giving back to their communities,” says Mark Cavanaugh, general manager of sports marketing for New Balance. “New Balance values strength of character as much as we value accolades on the field.”
 
This season, more than 450 professional baseball players are wearing New Balance including Miguel Cabrera, Curtis Granderson, Hanley Ramirez, JJ Hardy, CJ Wilson, Dustin Pedroia and Yadier Molina.
 
For more information, visit www.newbalance.com/baseball, follow @NB_Baseball on Twitter and like New Balance Baseball on Facebook.