Key Takeaways
The Atlanta Braves Foundation’s Henry Louis Aaron Fund will rebuild and upgrade infields at all operating high schools in the Atlanta Public Schools district
First four baseball fields break ground this month at Washington, Jackson, Mays, and North Atlanta High Schools, with February 2026 completion targets
Each facility receives turf infields and needed upgrades, eliminating most rain delays and infield maintenance requirements
Investment funded by Southern Company Foundation, MLB, Truist, Delta Air Lines, Google, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and seven other corporate partners
Fields will support middle school programs, community baseball and softball, and expansion of Braves RBI youth development initiative
Facility Investment Targets Year-Round Field Access
The Atlanta Braves Foundation announced the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative, a comprehensive upgrade of baseball and softball facilities across Atlanta Public Schools. The program addresses a common challenge in youth sports infrastructure: weather-related cancellations and maintenance constraints that limit field availability.
According to Greg Goodwin, Executive Athletic Director for Atlanta Public Schools, the turf infields “will eliminate most practice and game rain outs, as well as all infield maintenance.”
Construction begins later this month on four baseball facilities, with softball field work starting after the Fall 2025 season concludes. The foundation expects all fields to be fully operational within 24 months of the first project start.
Program Structure and Timeline
The phased rollout prioritizes baseball fields first, targeting completion by February 2026 to align with high school baseball season. Softball facilities will be ready for the 2026 high school softball season.
Each Hank Aaron Diamond includes turf infield installation and additional facility upgrades to create what the foundation describes as “a consistent, high-quality baseball and softball experience for APS students and City of Atlanta youth.”
Beyond high school programs, the facilities will accommodate middle school teams and community-based organizations. The fields also support expansion of Braves RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities), a youth development program operated through Marquis Grissom Youth Baseball Association.
Funding Model Brings Together Multiple Corporate Partners
The Henry Louis Aaron Fund, which focuses on increasing representation in baseball and supporting minority business development, secured commitments from 11 corporate and philanthropic sources. Major funders include Southern Company Foundation, Major League Baseball, Truist, Delta Air Lines, Google, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Gas South, the MLB/MLBPA Youth Development Fund, Zeist Foundation, Comcast, and The Home Depot.
Danielle Bedasse, Atlanta Braves Vice President of Community Affairs and Foundation Executive Director, noted the facilities will create “opportunities for more students to train and compete for their local school and more opportunities for community-based sports, while reducing maintenance costs for APS.”
District Impact and Community Access
Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson characterized the partnership as “transformational for our baseball and softball student-athletes, as well as the schools and athletic programs that support them.”
The investment addresses both athletic development and practical operational concerns. Turf infields require significantly less maintenance than natural grass and dirt surfaces, potentially freeing up district resources while expanding available playing time throughout the school year and for community programs outside regular school hours.
via: MLB
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
Youth Sports events and tournament management
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
Sports technology and data analytics innovation
Youth sports facilities development and management
Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
