A Big Score For Sonora
Sonora, CA — The MLB is giving the Youth Sports Foundation of Tuolumne County (YSF) a $159,700 grant to renovation the field behind the historic Sonora Dome. It’s thanks to their Baseball Tomorrow Fund, a program of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association.
The grant will help the YSF complete the second phase of its Sonora Dome Field renovation project. It will include renovating the existing field with an irrigation system, building a new practice infield, a portable pitcher’s mound, and a new scoreboard.
Also, stepping up to the plate is the Sonora Area Foundation. They’re giving YSF a $50,000 grant once Sonora High and the YSF work out how the field will be used. Sonora Union High School will be in charge of maintaining the field.
Work on the field will start Monday with the sprinkler system. Then there will be a break while the new grass takes root.
YSF began field renovations at the Sonora Dome in 2010 to address the need for improved baseball and softball facilities. When the renovations are done nearly 500 players, including the Sonora High School girls’ softball teams, boys’ JV baseball team and summer youth baseball and softball programs can take the fields.
Youth Sports Foundation President Dave Crocker says “This grant award is a wonderful opportunity, not only for the huge boost toward the completion of our organization’s project, but for the many children in our county who participate in youth baseball and softball,” He adds, “Our youth players have been in need of a safe, renovated facility to increase participation and play. We are extremely thankful to have the support and assistance from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.”
Executive Director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Cathy Bradley says, “The Baseball Tomorrow Fund appreciates the Youth Sports Foundation of Tuolumne County’s commitment to youth baseball and softball in its community. We are pleased to support the continued growth of the game in Sonora area and the players that will benefit from this facility.”
Those interested in donating to the project may contact Dave Crocker at (209) 532-1673.
Click here to view a map of the field.
