Trenton, NJ…Babe Ruth League, Inc. was recently awarded a
$73,000 grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.
The grant is slated for much needed renovations to Don Edwards Park in
Newark, Ohio. The twenty-eight acre,
four-diamond baseball complex was deeded to Babe Ruth League, Inc. in 2002 by
the late Don Edwards, a lifetime volunteer in the organization, just prior to
his death.
Specifically the funds will be used to replace bleacher seating
and outfield fencing, install irrigation systems and wells for two fields, and
build batting cages for the facility.
Additionally, a “challenge grant” in the amount of
$100,000 will be awarded provided the organization raises the first $150,000
toward the building of a four-field softball complex.
“This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for the boys
and girls of Newark, Ohio who play the game, but for the entire community. It will also serve youth throughout the
country as the complex will be used for training of young baseball and softball
players, and the coaches who teach them”, said Babe Ruth League, Inc.
President/CEO Ron Tellefsen.
Built in 1964, Don Edwards Park is located in the heart of
downtown Newark, Ohio and is home to the Moundbuilders Babe Ruth Baseball
League where currently 27 teams play Babe Ruth Baseball. The Babe Ruth Baseball 16-18 World Series
will be held at Don Edwards Park in 2004.
The entire budget for the needed renovation of the
baseball complex, and construction of the softball fields will exceed $800,000.
Babe Ruth League, Inc. is a non-profit, educational
organization dedicated to developing better citizens by providing properly
supervised baseball and softball competition for nearly one million players
from age 5 through 18 years old. It is
the intent of Babe Ruth League, Inc. that every player who has the desire to
play the sport is given the opportunity to participate in the program.
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund was designed to promote and
enhance the growth of baseball among youth in the United States, Canada and
throughout the world. Major League
Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA)
developed the program as a collaborative effort to ensure the future of
baseball.
Since its inception in 1999, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund
annually awards approximately $2 million to youth baseball and softball
programs in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and
will be awarded quarterly.
Organizations may access the Baseball Tomorrow Fund online at: www.baseballtomorrowfund.com or by writing:
Baseball Tomorrow Fund, 245 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10167.
