Pirates Charities, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, Baseball Tomorrow Fund, Del Monte Foods and The Grable Foundation, will completely renovate a little league complex in Pittsburgh's Hill District that serves the Josh Gibson Little League Program. Work on the "Josh Gibson Field - A Pirates Charities Project" will commence in late May and be targeted for completion in April of 2009 for the start of the little league baseball season.

The renovated complex will feature two new grass infields,
a restored shared outfield, new pitcher's mounds, four new dugouts (two including a second "press box" level), new bleachers, two scoreboards, a field sprinkler system, and a concession stand that will include ADA compliant restrooms and a baseball equipment storage area. Perimeter fences will also be repaired and maintenance equipment will be purchased for continued use on the field.

"We are extremely proud to be leading this group of community partners to transform Josh Gibson Field into a modern little league baseball complex that will serve as a positive and productive place for youth to interact with their peers and coaches," said Pirates Charities Chairman Bob Nutting. "This project demonstrates the mission of Pirates Charities by making a positive impact on the Hill District community through activities focused on youth health, fitness and education."

"Josh Gibson Field - A Pirates Charities Project" will be home for the Josh Gibson Foundation Little League Program that includes more than 300 inner-city youth. The renovation of Josh Gibson Field will greatly enhance the baseball opportunities currently provided to participating youth as well as help the program to grow by attracting new participants. In addition, the new complex will provide the Josh Gibson Foundation the ability to host fundraising tournaments, thus ensuring the program's future.

"We sincerely appreciate what Pirates Charities and all of the funding partners are doing to make Josh Gibson Field a top notch youth baseball complex for these great kids. This field is very special to me and my family, because it's where my great-grandfather played. When this field is finished, our kids will be proud to call this our baseball home," said Sean Gibson, Executive Director of the Josh Gibson Foundation and great-grandson of Negro League great Josh Gibson. "Our little league program and education program are directly linked, which is why these renovations are so important as it will positively impact the lives of our kids both on and off the field."

Pirates Charities will donate $78,000 to the Josh Gibson Field renovation project, which will cost approximately $272,000. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund will donate $64,000, another $20,000 will be donated by Del Monte Foods and The Grable Foundation will provide $15,000. The City of Pittsburgh will contribute the remaining $95,000 toward the completion of the project.

"Our young people are the future of our City, and to see so many different funders coming to the table to make this renovation happen really speaks volumes to the character of Pittsburgh," Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said. "With this renovation, more young people have a chance to get out on the field and into the hands of positive mentors."

In addition to the funding partners, Pittsburgh-based Massaro Corporation and Sports Turf Specialties, Inc. of Glenshaw have also pledged their involvement. Massaro Corporation will provide design and building services, and Sports Turf Specialties, Inc. will do the field work. Both companies have significantly discounted their fees for this project as their donation toward the effort.

This is another major initiative undertaken by Pirates Charities, the philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2007, Pirates Charities opened the Pirates Community Baseball Center at the Shadyside Boys & Girls Clubs. The Center now provides more than 2,000 youth the opportunity to practice their baseball skills in a state-of-the-art, indoor facility that is open 12 months a year. The Pirates Community Baseball Center is also home to Pittsburgh RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities). More than 600 youth throughout the Pittsburgh community participate in the RBI program.