Central Omaha Legion Baseball Association awarded more than $17,000 from the Baseball Tomorrow fund

The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) recently awarded $17,472 to the Central Omaha Legion Baseball Association to provide funding for new batting cages. The batting cages, which will also be funded by a $9,500 grant from the NCAA and College World Series of Omaha, Inc. (CWS, Inc.), will help increase participation in the youth baseball and softball programs supported by the Central Omaha Legion Baseball Association. Programs include the Omaha Central High School spring and summer programs for inner city players, local Boys & Girls Club and Little League organizations.

"The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is pleased to support the continued growth of youth baseball and softball programs through the funding of a new batting cage," said Cathy Bradley, Executive Director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. "We applaud the Central Omaha Legion Baseball Association's commitment to promoting the games of baseball and softball to Omaha's young people."

"Our partnership with the NCAA has helped CWS, Inc., continue its long-standing tradition of community involvement," said CWS, Inc., Chairman, Jack Diesing, Jr. "CWS, Inc., is dedicated to organizations that use amateur athletics to promote teamwork and sportsmanship to Omaha area's youth."

"Central Omaha Legion Baseball Association is thrilled and honored to be awarded these two grants to complete construction of a batting cage," said Jerry Kreber, Head Baseball Coach, Central Omaha Legion Association. "By investing in Omaha, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and the College World Series will positively impact hundreds of North Omaha kids in the years to come."

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 more than 700 grants totaling more than $23 million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia. Approximately 325,000 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 College World Series:

CWS Inc., is the non-profit local organizing committee for the annual NCAA Division I Men's College World Series. Its mission is to enlist wide-based community support from business, government, civic organizations and individuals to implement, promote, operate and host a successful CWS in Omaha in partnership with the NCAA. In 1972, CWS, Inc., started its charitable contributions program, which has donated more than $3.8 million to area baseball and softball programs.