Construction to begin on MLB and Angels All-Star Complex for Anaheim youth

Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the City of Anaheim will break ground today on the MLB and Angels All-Star Complex at Pioneer Park, leaving a lasting legacy for the youth of Anaheim. The project, which is a part of the “Going Beyond” charity and community service theme for the 2010 MLB All-Star Summer in Anaheim, CA, will consist of the reconstruction of a youth baseball and softball field and the construction of a new Miracle League Field, which will provide opportunities for special needs children to play baseball. The fields will be renovated with the support of The Scotts Company, which recently was named the Official Lawn Care Company of Major League Baseball and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The construction of the project will be managed by the Angels Baseball Foundation in partnership with Magical Builders, a nonprofit organization formed with the mission of unifying people to advance the well being of children and their communities.

“Major League Baseball is thrilled to break ground on the MLB and Angels All-Star Complex. One of our most important goals of MLB All-Star Week is to leave a lasting legacy for the city of Anaheim, and the renovation of this Complex is the signature project,” said Tim Brosnan, Executive Vice President, Business, Major League Baseball. “Being part of a baseball or softball team makes a positive impact in the lives of children, and this Complex will provide a new setting for young people to connect with the sport.”

“Angels Baseball and the Angels Baseball Foundation are proud to be partnering with Major League Baseball and the City of Anaheim on this groundbreaking day,” said Angels owner Arte Moreno. “Hosting the All-Star Game is the perfect backdrop to build this needed facility for today’s young athletes. Youth of all ages and abilities in the community will be provided the opportunity to enjoy the MLB and Angels All-Star Complex and participate in the great game of baseball and its countless positive attributes.”

“The people and leadership of Anaheim are grateful that Major League Baseball, Angels Baseball and the Angels Baseball Foundation have teamed up with us on this exciting project,” said City of Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle. “Thousands of children and adults visit this park each year, and with the renovation of the existing field, the construction of the Miracle Field, and the City’s planned upgrades, Pioneer Park will be an even greater community asset.”

The renovation of the existing field at Pioneer Park will be renamed “All-Star Field #1” and will be used by local Little League programs, the Angels RBI program, including Jr. RBI and girls softball divisions, and the Miracle League Legacy Division. Jr. RBI is the new playing division for children ages 5 to 12 from underserved communities, and provides them with opportunities to play baseball and softball. The RBI program also encourages academic achievement and teaches the values of teamwork.

The construction of the new field at Pioneer Park will be named “All-Star Field #2” and will be designed for use by the local Miracle League, Challenger Leagues and other special needs populations. The Miracle League Field at the MLB and Angels All-Star Complex will include a custom-designed field with a cushioned rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible dugouts, and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to players in wheelchairs or who have visual impairment.

Both fields will be supported by The Scotts Company, which recently was named the “Official Lawn Care Company of Major League Baseball.” Scotts will provide lawn and garden products to help beautify and maintain the grounds of the All-Star Complex at Pioneer Park, education on the proper use of the products, and volunteers to assist with the refurbishment. The relationship between MLB and Scotts is the first of its kind for Major League Baseball Properties and the largest sports relationship for Scotts, the market leader in lawn and garden care products.