"Major League Baseball is honored to help bring an academy to the children of Kansas City, the first professional baseball home of the great Jackie Robinson," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "For years, Urban Youth Academies have not only served as safe places for baseball and softball opportunities for young people, but also as points of pride for local communities. This is a great era for baseball in Kansas City, and we are pleased to contribute to the game's future here in such a meaningful way."
The two-phase project will transform the 21-acre park, which also will include a walking trail, a playground and additional athletic facilities.