
Toyota and the Texas Rangers are sure to score a home run with kids in the Dallas area. That’s because the automaker and MLB team have joined forces in an effort to significantly improve the experience at the new Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy. Toyota is committing $1 million to the cause while two of the Rangers' star players, Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre, will also pitch in and contribute some big bucks to help with the efforts. In addition, Toyota will work hand-in-hand with the Texas Rangers Foundation to help develop programs that support literacy and career exploration opportunities.
“As part of our commitment to our new home in North Texas, we’ve already established several partnerships that make a positive impact on the lives of others, and that’s why Toyota’s investing $1 million to partner with the Rangers and to provide new opportunities for the kids and families of West Dallas,” said Jim Lentz, chief executive officer, Toyota Motors North America.
Outfielder, Josh Hamilton, has made a financial donation to the Academy project that will result in the naming rights to one of the fields. Appropriately called, the Josh Hambone Hamilton Field, it will be used for youth baseball and softball league play and learning.
The ballpark's infield will have turf while the outfield will feature natural grass. The dugouts will have Rangers Red Brick and the seating structures will be shaded and will be able to seat up to 200 people.
Third baseman, Adrian Beltre, will pay for building the full turf major league size indoor infield that will be a featured part of the Youth Academy building. Beltre’s uniform number “29” will be inscribed in the grass turf of that infield.