MLB Makes Donation to Bluffton University

Gift of $50,000 to go toward permanent memorial at "Bluffton University Memorial Field"

05/01/2007 4:41 PM ET -- Major League Baseball has given $50,000 to Bluffton (OH) University as part of the school's effort to honor its 2007 baseball team.

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The contribution will go toward a permanent memorial and other refurbishments at the newly named "Bluffton University Memorial Field," which will honor the 2007 team and those who lost their lives in the March 2nd bus accident that occurred as they were traveling to a game.

"This terrible tragedy will never be forgotten, and Major League Baseball is honored to play a part in assisting with the creation of an appropriate tribute to those who lost their lives," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig.

Bluffton University President James M. Harder made the announcement this afternoon prior to the school's final home game of the season against Defiance College. Joe Garagiola, Jr., Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations, represented Major League Baseball at the announcement.

In addition to the gift of $50,000 from Major League Baseball, students at Bluffton University and at Tiffin University each raised $10,000 for the project. Other enhancements to the baseball facility will be ready for Bluffton's 2008 baseball season.

Several Major League Clubs have taken steps to provide support for the Bluffton University baseball program as well. The Atlanta Braves donated equipment, arranged for Bluffton players to have a meet-andgreet with Braves players, have invited team members to attend a Braves game and provided a Braves jersey in which one of the victims, Braves fan Tyler Williams, was buried; the Cleveland Indians donated $1,000 and new baseball gloves and are working with Bluffton to organize a day for the team to visit Jacobs Field; the Cincinnati Reds donated equipment, recognized Harder at a Reds game and set up a meet-andgreet for Bluffton players to meet the Reds; and the Florida Marlins provided equipment.

Source: MLB