During Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week, the impact extends far beyond the five-day event for youth players in West Dallas, who now have access to a newly renovated Texas Rangers All-Star Legacy Field for their games.
“This is a momentous occasion for us to witness the results of such a project,” remarked Juan Leonel Garciga, Senior Director of the Texas Rangers Youth Academy. “Previously, our grass/clay diamond required extensive maintenance and upkeep, often leading to game cancellations due to drainage issues.”
Partnering with MLB Together, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation spearheaded the field’s transformation. The upgraded turf, originally used in the 2023 World Series, has now been repurposed for the youth fields, marking a significant improvement.
“I’m speechless,” exclaimed Braylon Hubbard, a player at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy. “It’s incredible to think we’re playing on the same turf that major league players, not just from the Rangers but from all teams, have walked on.”
Enhancements to the Texas Rangers All-Star Legacy Field also include new dugouts, a bullpen, and shaded bleacher areas.
“Our goal is not just to host games but to leverage the power of sports to invest in the community,” emphasized April Brown, MLB’s Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “Baseball serves as a gateway to leadership skills, personal development, teamwork, and a supportive social environment for youth to pursue their dreams.”
Former Rangers players Mark McLemore and Darren Oliver threw the ceremonial first pitches on Friday to inaugurate the new field before teams from the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals Youth Academies took to the diamond.
“Every player deserves to compete on top-notch facilities, regardless of their background,” Garciga emphasized. “This field will not only elevate their game but also impart valuable life lessons and skills.”
“Baseball teaches us more than just how to play the game; it instills essential life skills that carry over into all aspects of life,” added Dash Johnson, a coach at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy.
