KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- KCK RBI announced today that it was recently awarded an incentive grant in the amount of $186,000 from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF).
The grant will support KCK RBI’s field renovation project and provide funding for demolition and new construction.
The field renovation project will revive the 3&2 baseball fields located in the heart of Wyandotte County.
For over 65 years, these fields were synonymous with baseball in the inner city. Prior to 2009, the fields were not used for 10 years. Since then, the fields have been made suitable for practice but not for hosting games. Renovating the fields will benefit the RBI program. Future plans include the creation of classrooms that participants will utilize for studying.
“This grant represents another leap toward our renovation goal and overall objectives as an organization,” said Cle Ross, KCK RBI Founder and Executive Director. “This renovation will create an environment where kids can play ball 8 out of 12 months of the year while using the facility to stay ahead in their academics. We’re honored by the Baseball Tomorrow Fund’s grant. It will benefit the community and our vision to continue to Revive Baseball in the Inner Cities.”
”On behalf of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, we are pleased to support the continued growth of the RBI program in Kansas City, Kansas,” said Cathy Bradley, executive director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. “It is our hope that this incentive grant encourages additional local support for this worthwhile effort to rejuvenate the existing facility into safe and quality youth baseball fields.”
Other major supporters of the project include the Kansas City Royals, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, and Freightquote. KCK RBI is still accepting in-kind and monetary contributions for construction and upkeep of the fields. Those interested in donating to the project may contact founder Cle Ross directly at 913-980-4273.
