FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Irish American Baseball Society
Media@IrishBaseball.org
www.IrishBaseball.org
(914) 362-8409
NEW YORK, NY — March 17, 2026 — A new strategic business partnership between Going Yard Baseball (“Going Yard”) and Emerald Diamond International (EDI), announced on St. Patrick’s Day, alongside its affiliated entities, the Irish American Baseball Society and Team Ireland Baseball (collectively, “Irish Baseball”), is set to significantly expand and elevate the Irish Baseball Movement in the USA and abroad, while creating meaningful opportunities for players of Irish descent to train, compete, and represent their heritage on a global stage.
Through a series of events planned and executed across the United States and internationally—including tryouts, camps, clinics, tournaments, and showcases—the collaboration between Going Yard and Irish Baseball will help develop a robust pipeline of talent, while providing athletes with access to high-level coaching, elite competition, and increased visibility.
At the same time, both organizations will work together on fundraising and sponsorship initiatives to further support Irish Baseball programs and initiatives, and are proud to make this announcement today, on a day that celebrates the rich heritage and enduring spirit of the Irish, as they continue to expand their presence and impact in the baseball community.
“Partnering with Going Yard Baseball is a tremendous step forward for the Team Ireland Baseball program,” said Dan Kennedy of Emerald Diamond International. “Our shared commitment to player development and opportunity will help continue the growth of the program in the US and around the world.”
The Team Ireland Baseball program, a joint initiative of Emerald Diamond International and the Irish American Baseball Society, was created to connect Irish American baseball players with their heritage through the game of baseball. Since launching in December, the program has generated tremendous interest, with more than 500 families from the United States, Canada, Ireland, England, and Australia already signing up to get involved. Emerald Diamond International introduces baseball to more than 3,000 children each year through its baseball programs in Ireland and Northern Ireland. In partnership with the Irish American Baseball Society, the organization works to grow support for youth baseball programs while advocating for the fair and equal treatment of Irish American dual-citizen players in college and professional baseball who aspire to help Ireland compete in the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics.
“One of our goals is to help Irish American baseball players connect with their heritage through the game they love,” said Chris McKnight of Emerald Diamond International. “Baseball has long been part of the Irish story, and we’re proud to help strengthen that connection for a new generation.”
Going Yard Baseball, a baseball events company focused on original baseball content creation and player development initiatives, focuses on the advancement of important relationships that afford players unique opportunities and skills development through its special events, helping create legacy moments and signature experiences unlike any other. Going Yard’s focus and expertise involves developing outstanding and foundational baseball experiences of all kinds in baseball, while partnering with respected organizations such as Emerald, to help advance these notable and collective goals in the space.
“Going Yard is truly excited to enter into this exclusive multi-year agreement which serves to cement our commitment to growing the game in Ireland, alongside Emerald Diamond International and its affiliates, while establishing a reliable platform replete with opportunity to successfully develop all aspiring players of Irish descent from around the world,” said Frank Giglio, CEO of Going Yard Baseball.
This corporate partnership also prioritizes long-term growth of the sport within Ireland by investing directly in youth baseball programming. GY coaches will have opportunities to travel to Ireland and Northern Ireland to support local development through clinics, school programs, and community engagement, helping to elevate the standard of play and inspire the next generation of athletes. By aligning recruitment, coaching, and development efforts on both sides of the Atlantic, GY and EDI are creating a sustainable pathway that strengthens Irish baseball programs while deepening the connection between Irish heritage and the game of baseball.
This agreement will help advance EDI’s Three Big Goals strategy: (1) growing youth baseball programs in Ireland, (2) helping Ireland reach the World Baseball Classic, and (3) bringing an MLB series to Ireland.
“Being on the forefront of the international baseball landscape for over 30 years, it is exciting to see the passion the Irish American Baseball Society has for developing the game in Ireland. It is an honor to align that with our expertise in events operation, player development, and scouting through our offerings both domestic and internationally,” said Gordon Blakeley of Going Yard Baseball.
Irish Baseball and Going Yard will be making additional announcements in the coming weeks with the release of its forthcoming events schedule.
About the Irish American Baseball Society
The Irish American Baseball Society celebrates the Irish impact on the game of baseball and supports the development of youth baseball programs in Ireland and America. For more information, visit IrishBaseball.org. The Irish American Baseball Society is a non-profit subsidiary of Emerald Diamond International. For more information, visit: EmeraldDiamond.org.
