Originally developed as a response to the heartbreak and taunting children assigned to Yankees youth baseball and softball teams face, the Yankees Elimination Promotion (Y.E.P.) eliminated over 100 Yankees teams since 2006, replacing them with Spinners teams.

This year’s Yankees Elimination Promotion will be limited to 75 teams on a first-come, first-served basis. As part of the promotion the Spinners will replace the league’s Yankees hats with Spinners hats and provide a $200 donation toward the cost of uniforms. Through Y.E.P., the Spinners have donated over $50,000 into the youth baseball and softball community.

“The original intention of the Yankees Elimination Program was to combat the stories of children losing interest in the game and facing taunts simply for playing the game we all love in a Yankees uniform,” said Tim Bawmann, Vice President/GM of the Lowell Spinners. “The outpouring of teams looking to change their image and relentless requests from coaches and parents looking to escape the ‘Yankee Curse’ has us excited to help bring joy to young athletes across New England this spring.”

Not only will the youth Spinners teams receive a uniform makeover, but the teams will also be invited to play on the field at LeLacheur Park prior to a Spinners game this season. Additionally the Spinners will work with each youth baseball organization to assist them in their fundraising initiatives.

“The Yankees may have signed Mark Teixiera and C.C. Sabathia during the off-season, but the Red Sox can boast the talents of former Spinners from Papelbon and Youkilis to Ellsbury and Masterson,” said Bawmann. “Knowing Jonathan Papelbon was a member of the Red Sox Little League team growing up, we want the next Papelbon to start his playing career as a Spinner rather than the Yankee pinstripe.”