Jeremy Affeldt Junior Giants Field to be dedicated in Modesto this Friday

(Modesto, Calif., June 21, 2013) - As baseball season heats up, the Giants Community Fund continues to do their part to keep at-risk youth running the bases this summer. On Friday, June 21, the Community Fund and the Good Tidings Foundation are proud to partner with the City of Modesto and Giants pitcher Jeremy Affeldt to dedicate Jeremy Affeldt Junior Giants Field at the Enslen Park in Modesto through the Peter A. Magowan Fields for Kids program.

With funding from the aforementioned partners and special contributions from Robert A. Bothman, Inc., West Coast Turf, Calco Fence, Imperial Sprinkler Supply and Kelly-Moore Paints, the Jeremy Affeldt Junior Giants Field will provide a safe, state-of-the-art location for local kids to play ball. The field features new vinyl-coated fencing for the backstops and dugouts, new irrigation system, fresh infield and outfield sod, improved drainage, a new field for tee-ball players, all new concrete dugouts and seating areas, concrete seat wall and drinking fountain.

The flagship program of the Giants Community Fund, Junior Giants uses baseball as a forum to teach life skills to underserved youth throughout Northern and Central California, Nevada, and Oregon. Projects such as field renovations, coaches clinics and glove drives contribute to a sense of ownership and pride throughout leagues in over 155 communities.

For more than a decade, the Giants Community Fund has worked to refurbish 22 youth baseball fields, thanks to the help of Giants players and partners. 2013 marks the 14^th year that the Fund has collaborated with the Good Tidings Foundation to renovate baseball fields for Junior Giants players throughout Northern California. Recent dedications include Willie Mays Boys and Girls Club at Hunters Point, Aaron Rowand Junior Giants Field in Daly City, Barry Zito Junior Giants Fields in Stockton, the Excelsior Playground Field in San Francisco, Matt Cain Field in Sacramento and the Los Banos PAL Junior Giants Field.

WHO:               Jeremy Affeldt, Larry Baer, Peter Magowan, Dave Flemming, Councilmember Dave Lopez and representatives from the Giants Community Fund and Good Tidings Foundation

WHAT:              Jeremy Affeldt Junior Giants Field Dedication

WHEN:             Friday, June 21

TIME:               11:00am - Dedication Ceremony Begins            

WHERE:           Enslen Park, 501 Stoddard Avenue, Modesto