VBL & Diabetes Reversal Group Launch "Swing For Health" Initiative

SHENANDOAH VALLEY, VA — The Valley Baseball League and Diabetes Reversal Group (DRG) are proud to announce a new community partnership initiative titled “Swing for Health”, designed to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support healthier lifestyles in the fight against Type 2 Diabetes across the Shenandoah Valley Region and the state of Virginia.

The “Swing for Health” campaign brings together the power of baseball and community wellness through educational outreach, in-ballpark programming, fan engagement, and partnerships with local healthcare leaders, businesses, and municipalities throughout the Valley Baseball League footprint.

“Baseball has always been more than a game — it is a gathering place for communities, families, business leaders, and neighbors,” said Rick Furr, Commissioner of the Valley Baseball League. “Through this partnership with DRG, we have an opportunity to use our platform to make a meaningful impact on public health while bringing important education directly into our communities. 25% of the people in Virginia aged 65+ have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity & lifestyle are key factors in Type 2 Diabetes, and diabetes is now the 6^th leading cause of death in the state of Virginia.”

Type 2 Diabetes impacts 425 million people worldwide and over 35 million Americans and continues to rise throughout Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley region; it has doubled over the past 20 years. DRG works to address that challenge through evidence-based lifestyle education, community outreach, and accessible wellness programs focused on prevention and long-term health improvement. DRG also has the only patented system in the world that reverses Type 2 Diabetes and helps people get off their medications.

Throughout the 2026 Valley Baseball League season, fans can expect:

• “Swing for Health” awareness nights hosted by VBL teams
• Community health education and wellness resources at ballparks
• Public outreach campaigns focused on diabetes prevention, reversal and healthy living
• Opportunities for fans and families to connect with healthcare and wellness professionals
• Fundraising and charitable initiatives supporting community health programs

The partnership reflects a shared belief that healthier communities are built through connection, education, and action.

“Baseball reaches people of every generation,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hockings, Co-Founder & CEO of the Diabetes Reversal Group. “By partnering with the Valley Baseball League, we can bring practical health education into trusted community spaces and help families better understand how lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and actually reverse it.”

The “Swing for Health” initiative will also create opportunities for fans, local businesses, healthcare providers, and community organizations to participate in regional wellness efforts while supporting one of the Shenandoah Valley’s most recognized summer traditions, Valley Baseball League games.

The Valley Baseball League has served communities throughout Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for more than a century, providing collegiate summer baseball while fostering community engagement, economic impact, and affordable family entertainment.

Additional details regarding scheduled “Swing for Health” events, participating teams: Charlottesville Tom Sox, Covington Lumberjacks, Culpeper Cavaliers, Front Royal Cardinals, Harrisonburg Turks, New Market Rebels, Purcellville Cannons, Staunton Braves, Strasburg Express, Waynesboro Generals, Winchester Royals, and Woodstock Riverbandits.

Visit our league website www.valleybaseballleague.com or our team websites to learn more about how to get started with DRG.

Media Contact:

Valley Baseball League
Rick Furr, Commissioner
rick@valleybaseballleague.org

Diabetes Reversal Group (DRG)
Bobby Marulli, Chief Revenue Officer
bmarulli@diabetesreversalgroup.com

About Valley Baseball League

The VBL was founded on May 15, 1897, in Edinburg, Virginia, with charter members including Winchester, Woodstock, Strasburg, Front Royal, and Edinburg. In its early phase, it operated as a minor league of sorts — in fact, sources say it “evolved from a Class D minor league” in its early years. Its transition to Collegiate Summer League baseball came in 1961, when the league became sanctioned under the rules of the NCAA, shifting fully to a collegiate summer league model.

The league provides top collegiate players the opportunity to compete in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. It has produced over 1,000 professional baseball players. Known as “The Gateway to the Majors,” the VBL is one of the oldest and most respected collegiate summer leagues in the United States. Our mission is to provide affordable family entertainment, develop collegiate athletes, and strengthen our community through the power of baseball.

About Diabetes Reversal Group

Diabetes Reversal Group® (DRG) patented diabetes reversal system offers very comprehensive programs to their patients. Patients are taught what to eat and not eat, provided specific nutritional supplements to take, what exercises to do and 1 on 1 coaching. It is a combination of these 4 things that get your body healthy again naturally and reduces or eliminates your need for medications.

Type 2 Diabetes is reversed (in remission) when your A1C is 5.9 or lower, and you are taking no diabetic medications of any kind, including Insulin & Metformin. If you are taking any diabetic medications, your diabetes is managed, not reversed. We help people reverse their Type 2 Diabetes, not continue to manage it with medications, all under the supervision of your physician.