September 15, 2011

Shelby granted $170,000 for field lights

By The American Legion
Baseball
Shelby granted $170,000 for field lights
Photo courtesy of Victorian Rose

Shelby, N.C., home to The American Legion World Series, recently received a grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund for field lighting upgrades at Keeter Stadium.

Baseball excitement didn't stop for Cleveland County residents after hosting the 2011 American Legion World Series and reaching a record total paid-attendance crowd of more than 86,000, beating the record established 75 years ago in Spartansburg, S.C.

The Cleveland County American Legion World Series Baseball, Inc., recently announced that it was awarded a $170,000 grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF). The grant will be used toward the upgrade and expansion of field lighting at Keeter Stadium. And because of the strong partnership between BTF and Musco Lighting, Inc. - a leader in the sports lighting industry - the field lighting equipment will be provided at a discount.

"This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for our program, but for the children who play the game," said Eddie Holbrook, co-chairman of the Shelby Baseball World Series Committee. "We are very thankful to the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and Musco Lighting, Inc., and look forward to a lasting partnership."

Dina Neeley, Musco Field Sales representative added, "What an honor it was for Musco Sports Lighting to be a part of this project. It was truly inspiring to watch those who worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. It doesn't get any better than this!"

The Baseball Tomorrow Fund promotes the growth of youth baseball and softball throughout the world by awarding grants. The grants are used for field renovations and construction projects, equipment and uniform purchases, coaches training material and other selected program expenses. And due to its formation by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association 12 years ago, BTF has awarded more than 550 grants totaling nearly $20 million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean, Europe and Asia. More importantly, nearly 225,000 youth players have benefited from programs and facilities supported by BTF."On behalf of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and Musco Lighting, Inc., we thank Cleveland County ALWS Baseball, Inc., for its commitment to youth baseball and softball in the community. We are pleased to support the continued growth of this program," said Cathy Bradley, executive director of Baseball Tomorrow Fund. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund receives approximately 500 applications yearly and awards grants on a quarterly basis after a selective review process.

Additionally, Musco Lighting of Oskaloosa, Iowa, has specialized in the design and manufacture of systems for lighting recreation and athletic fields since 1976 and is recognized as a world-class leader in sports lighting with lighting systems installed worldwide. Musco works with organizations such as Amateur Softball Association, Babe Ruth League, England and Wales Cricket Board, Little League Baseball®, Major League Baseball, NASCAR and the NBA, and has played a key role in developing guidelines for safe, efficient sports facilities.

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