Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder All-Star Andrew McCutchen on cover and Baseball Factory instructional featured inside

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Baseball Youth, The Nation's Baseball Magazine for Kids, released its first issue of 2013 on Feb. 1 with Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder and two-time National League All-Star Andrew McCutchen gracing the cover.

The cover story takes a look at McCutchen's rise from his childhood in a small Florida town to his superstar status in Major League Baseball as one of the best all-around players in the game today. As the face of the Pirates franchise, McCutchen hopes to bring playoff baseball back to Pittsburgh this season for the first time since 1992.

With pitchers and catchers about to report, Baseball Youth offers a guide to Spring Training this season with destination suggestions, history, must-see players in new uniforms, trivia, maps and more. Readers heading to Arizona or Florida this spring can take the guide with them to maximize their trip.

From MLB to the youth ranks, Baseball Youth takes a special look at two 12-year-olds making sure Type 1 Diabetes does not keep them from playing the game they love. Alexander Herd and Matthew Erickson's stories show their courage and determination in battling an opponent they have to face on and off the field.

Baseball Factory is highlighted with an instructional for catchers working on blocking pitches in the dirt. Readers can gain a few tips and then move on to BaseballYouth.com for an additional video from Baseball Factory.

Other highlights in the first issue of 2013 include a full-length tear-out poster of Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg, updates on two of America's best facilities and the future All-Star Ballpark Heaven in Iowa, and reader bios and photos from around the country. Get up-to-date on major tournaments like Disney's Gold Glove Classic, Triple Crown Winter Nationals and the USSSA Winter Nationals Super NIT.

Readers can also download the new issue for their iPad, iPhone or iPod from the App Store. Search “Baseball Youth Magazine” to download the free app and purchase single issues or a subscription.

Baseball Youth is published bi-monthly for kids ages 6-14. One-year subscriptions are $21.95 and can be purchased at BaseballYouth.com

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