MLB's Baseball Tomorrow Fund Experiences Record Breaking Year in 2007

Achieved highest totals in monetary contributions and number of communities served

10/30/2007 -- The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF), a joint initiative between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), today announced it has achieved its highest one-year totals in both monetary contributions and number of communities served since the initiative's creation in 1999. In 2007, BTF 's charitable giving surpassed $1.9 million with grants distributed to 60 communities and cities around the world.

Article continues below...

BTF promotes the growth of baseball and softball throughout the world by funding programs, field improvements and equipment purchases designed to increase youth participation in the sports. To date, BTF has distributed more than $12 million in grants that have benefited more than 150,000 children and 320 organizations across the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

Many communities in Major League markets have benefited from BTF grants since 2000, including more than $400,000 in grants distributed throughout the communities of the teams that competed in this year's World Series - Boston, MA and Denver, CO.

The BTF/MLB Equipment Day initiative, now in its third season partnering BTF with Major League Baseball Clubs to hold equipment collections, also experienced a record year with more than 14,000 items and $180,000 donated to youth baseball and softball programs in all 28 Major League markets.

"Supporting the growth of youth baseball and softball participation is our top priority," said Cathy Bradley, Executive Director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. "The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with hundreds of quality organizations that are committed to introducing the game to children. We will continue to develop our program so that we can assist more communities in the years to come."

Non-profit and tax-exempt youth baseball and softball programs that need financial assistance to increase participation are encouraged to apply for BTF grants. Information about the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, including an updated applicant form and grant writing assistance, can be found at www.baseballtomorrowfund.com. Letters of inquiry are accepted on a continuous basis.

Source: MLB