In support of the ongoing commitment from Major League Baseball, its clubs and the players to increase opportunities for youth participation in baseball and softball, the Chicago Cubs teamed up with the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) to host an equipment collection drive.
In conjunction with the equipment drive, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund will awarded a grant of $5,000 to Streator Youth Baseball for field repairs and the purchase of new equipment. The grant will be given in the name of Sean Marshall in honor of his commitment to youth baseball and softball. In recognition of the grant, Cathy Bradley, Executive Director of Baseball Tomorrow Fund and Marshall present a ceremonial check to Streator Youth Baseball during a pre-game ceremony on September 4.
This year marks the sixth season the Baseball Tomorrow Fund has teamed with Major League Baseball Clubs to supplement their existing equipment collection programs and to help facilitate the creation of new programs.
Last year, over 17,000 pieces of equipment and approximately $175,000 in monetary contributions were donated to youth baseball and softball organizations in Major League markets in conjunction with the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Equipment Day initiative. To date, over 67,000 pieces of equipment and approximately $800,000 in cash donations has benefited organizations in need. Pretty much every piece of equipment imaginable has been included in the 67,000 including Easton sv12 bats, tee ball bats, youth catchers gear, and nike baseball cleats:
“As we celebrate the sixth season of the initiative, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund would like to thank all of the Clubs, players and fans that have contributed to its success,” says Bradley. “Every single contribution helped grow baseball and softball in our communities and we look forward to greater success in 2010 and beyond.”
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is designed to promote the growth of youth baseball and softball throughout the world by awarding grants to support field renovation and construction projects, equipment and uniform purchases, coaches training material and other selected program expenses.
Since its formation by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association in 1999, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund has awarded approximately 450 grants totaling more than $17 million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Approximately 175,000 youth players have benefited from programs and facilities supported by the fund.
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund receives approximately 500 applications each year and awards grants on a quarterly basis after a selective review process. For more information, visit www.baseballtomorrowfund.com.