The joint MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation and Cal State Northridge Tuesday announced a $1 million grant to upgrade the university's sports facilities and support its youth baseball program.
The grant will go toward renovating Matador Stadium through the purchase of a lighting system, as well as helping CSUN's youth baseball initiative, which strives to develop baseball, leadership and life skills for kids, ages five to 17 in the San Fernando Valley.
The MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation is a joint initiative announced by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association in July 2015 to fund efforts that focus on improving the caliber, effectiveness and availability of amateur baseball and softball programs across the United States and Canada.
The foundation also aims to enhance the quality of baseball and softball education, address overall youth participation, and help youth from underserved communities strengthen their connections to the game, according to CSUN.
"The lasting impact that this project will have on the diverse Valley and Greater Los Angeles communities, both on and off the field, made it an ideal endeavor to support," said Jean Lee, executive director of the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation.
"Quality lighting on a baseball or softball diamond can be easily taken for granted, but as this effort will demonstrate, it also can make a positive difference in the lives of generations of young people," Lee said.
"We are proud to be a part of this renovation, which will contribute to the great programming provided by CSUN, its baseball program, and its student body."
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The grant will allow CSUN Baseball to host night practices and games in an effort to create a more family-friendly atmosphere and a greater sense of community, according to the university.
The stadium lighting project will make it easier for high school prospects to visit CSUN games more frequently. Through expanded field availability, the grant also will support CSUN's youth baseball initiative that serves diverse and underserved San Fernando Valley communities.
