Major League Baseball (MLB), Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) launched a new Play Ball initiative, which will focus on the sport of baseball and encourage sustained participation in the sport for years to come. During the month of August 2015, Mayors across the Nation are "called to action" to engage citizens, families, and city departments to organize individual and community events (such as playing catch, running bases in the backyard, family gatherings, park and recreation activities, business-supported activities etc.).