The program improves ball fields in communities of need by providing quality, safe playing spaces for kidsMLB PHOTOS
Gold Medal-winning U.S. softball player Jennie Finch and former MLBer Ryan Howard today will join The Scotts Company LLC and MLB to announce the '20 Scotts Field Refurbishment Grant Program at the Winter Meetings in San Diego. The program -- entering its fifth season -- improves ball fields in communities of need by providing quality, safe playing spaces and encouraging boys and girls to participate in everything from organized baseball and softball leagues to pick-up games and home run derbies. Applications can be submitted now until Jan. 31 at MLB.com/scottsfield. Four winners will be announced in early spring and project work will begin shortly thereafter, throughout the spring. A blue ribbon panel including Finch, Howard, Baseball HOFer Cal Ripken Jr. and execs from MLB and Scotts will determine the grant recipients. The Scotts Field Refurbishment Program will provide grants of products and services, including infield sod, that each have a collective value of up to $50,000 to four organizations with ballfields in need of renovation. "Traveling around the country as a parent and instructor, I've seen first-hand the need to improve field conditions for future generations of players," said Finch, who serves as youth softball ambassador for MLB. Finch: "I'm so happy that I can help Scotts and MLB continue this effort."
