May 1, 2009
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THINK DETROIT PAL BREAKS GROUND TO RENOVATE YOUTH BASEBALL FIELD
SUPPORTED BY MAGGLIO ORDOÑEZ AND THE DETROIT TIGERS FOUNDATION
DETROIT, Mich.— As part of the ongoing commitment to youth baseball through Play Baseball Detroit, Think Detroit PAL and the Detroit Tigers Foundation have broken ground on Magglio Ordoñez Field at St. Hedwig in southwest Detroit.
The St. Hedwig site is approximately 13 acres, and includes a recreation center, outdoor basketball courts, and three softball diamonds. By the end of the summer, two softball diamonds will receive great improvements and one diamond will be completely renovated into a premier baseball diamond. The new diamond will be a regulation-size baseball diamond, including an outfield fence, dugouts, bleachers, and new benches. Additionally, the Detroit Tigers Foundation has established a fund to help maintain the diamonds for future baseball seasons.
“St. Hedwig has been an integral part of youth baseball in Detroit,” said Jordan Field, Director, Detroit Tigers Foundation. “Through the generosity of Magglio Ordoñez, and his wife Dagly, we are excited to begin construction of the fields to continue providing baseball opportunities to youth in our community.”
“This is an incredible opportunity to provide the children of our city a clean and safe environment to play,” said Dan Varner, CEO of Think Detroit PAL. “The support of The Detroit Tigers Foundation is a testament to their dedication to the youth of the city and to youth baseball.”
Think Detroit PAL was formed on March 1, 2006, by the merger of two of the leading youth development organizations in the Detroit area: Think Detroit, Inc. and the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL). The organization is one of the largest non-profit urban youth leadership programs in the nation, and serves nearly 12,000 youth annually.
The Detroit Tigers Foundation was established in 2005 to enhance lives through the game of baseball. With a focus on youth, education and recreation, the Foundation aids and develops initiatives that help promote the game of baseball. In addition to this field renovation, Magglio and Dagly have supported the southwest Detroit community through the establishment of the Ordoñez Family Scholarship.
For more information or to volunteer or make a donation, please contact Think Detroit PAL at 313.833.1600 or on the web at www.thinkdetroitpal.org |
