Boston, MA, June 7, 2012 – The Cannonball Foundation announced today that it was recently awarded a grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) that will support the organization’s effort to add more teams within its baseball and softball programs and provide funding for uniform, equipment and tournament costs.
“This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for our program, but for the children who play the game,” said Mike Ginns, co-Executive Director of The Cannonball Foundation. His partner, Mike Schell, added “this generous gift from The Baseball Tomorrow Fund will prove instrumental in our launching a Cannonball Prospects softball team in 2012, adding baseball players to our current rosters, and providing each of them better access to the best development opportunities.”
“The Baseball Tomorrow Fund appreciates The Cannonball Foundation’s commitment to youth baseball and softball in its community. We are pleased to support the continued growth of this program.” added Cathy Bradley, Executive Director or the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.
Other supporters of the project include UMass Boston, the College of the Holy Cross Baseball team, and North East Baseball. The Cannonball Foundation is still accepting in-kind and monetary contributions. Those interested in donating to the project may contact Mike Schell at 978.257.1702.
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 MLB and the MLBPA in 1999, BTF has awarded over 600 grants totaling more than $22 million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia. Approximately 300,000 youth players have benefited from programs and facilities supported by the fund. 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 The Cannonball Foundation
Founded in 2010, The Cannonball Foundation's mission is to provide student-athletes from underserved communities with opportunities for competitive baseball and softball, individualized assistance in the college admissions process, and a range of supports on and off the field to promote personal, athletic, and educational growth and success. Each year, the foundation selects its Cannonball Prospects, consisting of high school baseball and softball players from Massachusetts’ poorest-resourced areas. Beyond being aspiring college players, those selected demonstrate good citizenship, a commitment to their education, and a financial need that poses a barrier to achieving a higher education. As a requirement for their participation, each player serves within the foundation’s Leaders in the Lineup program, which places players as coaches and mentors to children with various physical, emotional, and mental health needs being served within various area organizations.
