FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cle Ross KCK RBI 913.980

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Cle Ross
KCK RBI
913.980.4273
KCK RBI RECEIVES GRANT FROM
THE BASEBALL TOMORROW FUND
Kansas City, Kansas, November 7, 2014– 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.
About the Baseball Tomorrow Fund
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) is a joint initiative between the Major League Baseball Players
Association and Major League Baseball designed to promote the growth of youth baseball and softball
throughout the world by awarding grants to support field renovation and construction projects, equipment
and uniform purchases, coaches training material and other selected program expenses. Since its
formation by the MLBPA and MLB in 1999, BTF has awarded more than 800 grants totaling over $27
million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean,
Europe, Africa and Asia. BTF also facilitates league-wide initiatives including the collection and distribution
of new and gently used equipment to organizations in need as well as field maintenance education clinics.
For more information, visit baseballtomorrowfund.com and follow BTF on Facebook, Twitter and MLBlogs.
About KCK RBI
KCK RBI is a program aimed at improving the lives of Kansas City, Kansas youth through baseball and
softball. It provides nearly 1,000 boys and girls ages 3-18 the opportunity to play organized sports. The
program teaches physical fitness, teamwork, leadership and life skills, with the greatest emphasis on
education, fostering a healthier future for the children who participate. KCK RBI was founded in 2010 as
part of Success Achieved in Future Environments (S.A.F.E).

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