Program History 1999-2008

Since the program’s inception in 1999:

• More than 21,572 players, trainers, coaches and staff members have been screened for skin cancer.

• Of these 21,572 screened, Academy dermatologists have detected over 600 suspicious lesions and there have been more than 10,000 presumptive diagnoses.

• Over 70 suspected melanomas have been detected, the most deadly form of skin cancer

2008
The program’s 10^th year was an exciting one with new components which helped to raise its visibility. For 2008, the Academy and MLB officially changed the name of the program to Play Sun Smart™. In celebration of the 10^th year of the program, MLB expanded its commitment to help strike out skin cancer by releasing a new public service announcement (PSA) which was played at ballparks across the country featuring past and present spokesmen, urging the public to Play Sun Smart™. In addition to the PSA, MLB distributed sun safety tip cards at guest services in all ballparks and sun safety messages were broadcasted by the game day announcers. A full page Play Sun Smart™ ad ran in USA Today prior to June 21, MLB’s Skin Cancer Awareness Day.