MLB donates $33K to renovate baseball field

DOWNEY - The Downey Baseball Boosters announced this week that it was awarded a grant worth $33,423 from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association.The grant will fund renovations and batting cage improvements at Downey High School. "This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for our program, but for the children who play the game," said Pete Llanes, president of the baseball boosters club. "We believe receiving this grant will benefit many youth baseball players throughout our school, league, community and surrounding communities giving young men of all ethnic backgrounds a great past time in a safe environment." The boosters club and baseball staff have been working to complete renovations to the field, batting cages, bullpens and locker room. The field is used year-round by local high schools, travel teams and tournaments. "The Baseball Tomorrow Fund appreciates the Downey Baseball Boosters commitment to youth baseball and softball in Southern California," said Cathy Bradley, executive director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. "We are pleased to support the continued growth of this program." Other supporters of the renovation include BP, Smart & Final Charity Foundation, Lexmar Distribution and several small businesses throughout Downey. The boosters club is still accepting monetary donations. To donate, call Heidi Llanes at (562) 715-7728.

********** Published: May 31, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 07