Prior to the start of the Baysox 1996 season, the team established the Read & Hit A Home Run Reading Program to help encourage literacy and an excitement for reading in local elementary and middle school students.

What started with an idea and twenty local Prince George's County schools in 1996, has branched out to include schools in 10 counties across the state of Maryland and in Washington, DC. The Read & Hit A Home Run Reading Program now reaches over 200 schools and impacts over 35,000 students annually. The program also works closely with many Home Schools throughout the region.

Each student that reads four books, will receive two FREE Chesapeake Baysox Tickets to attend a game!

Reading Specialists at area elementary and middle schools (along with home school directors/teachers) are encouraged to register their schools. After registering, each school will have the opportunity to have their students participate in a jersey design contest. The Baysox will bring the winner's school an assembly featuring the unveiling of the winning student's jersey design and a special appearance by Louie, the Baysox lovable mascot!

Beginning in early January, registered schools will receive instructions encouraging their students to read four (4) books during the program time frame. If the students complete the reading task, they will receive two FREE Tickets (one for them and one for a parent/guardian) to attend their school's Reading Night at a Chesapeake Baysox home game. All students attending their county reading night at the Baysox game will be invited to participate in a recognition event during the game to recognize their individual and school's accomplishments along with other fun events throughout the game.

How do you get started? Register your school via the web form below or e-mail Dani Fox, Reading Program Coordinator to request a printable form to register your school with. You can also call Dani Fox at 301.464.4873 for more information or with any questions.

The Read & Hit A Home Run Reading Program is proudly presented by Educational Systems Federal Credit Union.