Looking Back: Recent BTF Efforts

From Equipment Days to check presentations, last week was as busy and exciting as ever for the Baseball Tomorrow Fund! Here’s a quick recap of recent BTF events:

In the Spotlight
The University of Texas baseball team practiced at RBI Austin’s baseball field at Reagan High School the morning of June 15 in preparation for the College World Series. As UT’s Disch-Falk Field is an artificial playing surface, the Longhorns took advantage of Reagan’s newly-renovated, natural playing surface to get ready to compete on TD Ameritrade Park’s natural playing surface in Omaha. Back in 2010, Austin Reagan was selected for the Major League Baseball Groundskeepers’ annual renovation service project. MLB Groundskeepers and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund unveiled the new facility in Austin, TX in January. It’s great to see the field being put to good use, both on the local level and in the spotlight of the Texas Longhorns. Click here to visit RBI Austin’s website and view photos of the event.

Rebuilding in Nashville
As a result of the flood in May 2010, Jess Neely Athletics lost use of its three fields, a concession stand, storage and restrooms at Shelby Park. This past Saturday during the Nashville Sounds game, BTF Grant Coordinator Meghan Chisholm presented the organization, based in East Nashville, TN, with an oversized check in the amount of $69,700 for field renovations. The money is being used for the construction of two new fields and two batting cages. Check back with us as we celebrate Jess Neely’s rebuilding effort!

Seattle Mariners Equipment Day
Seattle Mariners fans brought new and gently used baseball and softball equipment to Safeco Field on Saturday, June 25 when the Mariners played the Florida Marlins. Volunteers were stationed outside the gates of Safeco Field to accept donations and cash contributions, which went to the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. Next, BTF will partner with the Chicago White Sox, who will be hosting their Equipment Day on July 7.

Be sure to visit the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up-to-date with the latest BTF news!