Amazin’ Mets Foundation latest contribution will renovate baseball field in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, announced that it is contributing more than $445,000 to the renovation of the No. 10 baseball field at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The public-private partnership will provide a quality baseball field to local youth and complements the Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s youth baseball initiatives, including Sandlot Stars and baseball and softball clinics.
“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is committed to supporting our Queens neighbors and expanding access to the sport of baseball,” said Alex Cohen, president of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “We are proud to sponsor the renovation of the #10 baseball field at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. We hope the renovated field will provide hours of fun for the children in the communities surrounding Citi Field.”
Led by The LandTek Group, renovation work at the #10 baseball field began Monday, May 1 and is expected to be complete in the summer of 2023. Some of the upgrades include a complete renovation of the courtyard, a new irrigation system and addition of a drainage system, and new fencing and concrete. The renovations will also ensure Baseball Field #10 is ADA compliant.
“This investment gives our young Queens athletes another safe and accessible place to play ball and nurtures the next generation of New York baseball talent right in Citi Field’s backyard, Flushing Meadows Corona Park,” said Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “With our hundreds of baseball diamonds located across the city, NYC Parks prides itself on helping young athletes improve their baseball skills, practice teamwork and build character, and we are so grateful to the Amazin’ Mets Foundation for their dedication to Youth baseball in Queens and across New York City.”
Since its inception in 2021, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has provided over $5 million in grants to over 100 community organizations to strengthen programs focused on hunger relief, youth development and community services.
“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is committed to making a lasting impact on our community and improving the lives of those in need,” said Cohen. “We’re proud to inspire change and support the important work of nonprofit organizations in Queens and the greater New York City area.”
In recent weeks, Cohen cut the ribbon at the opening of the new $5 million Cohen Family Wellness Center in Woodside, operated by Forest Hills-based The Child Center of New York. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation also arranged a bedside visit for former Mets aide Turk Wendell at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where 22-year-old rookie police officer Brett Boller of Jamaica’s 103rd Precinct was recovering after multiple life-saving surgeries and was shot dead on duty.
When Steve and Alex Cohen took over the New York Mets in early November 2020, the billionaire hedge fund manager became the richest owner in Major League Baseball. In his first press conference as owner, he also stated his strong commitment to giving back to the Queens community.
“It’s an important part of being involved with a baseball team, the community cares, and we care about the communities,” said Steve Cohen. “We will investigate and find out things worth supporting and support them. We look forward to that.”
They established the Amazin’ Mets Foundation as the team’s philanthropic arm, striving to provide much-needed resources and opportunities to underserved communities.
“It goes beyond the words of the mission. It’s about the work we’re going to do,” Alex Cohen said of her foundation. “We are committed to inspiring philanthropy and community service by raising awareness, providing guidance and leading by example to show the world what giving can make a difference.”
To learn more about the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, its programs, upcoming events and how to give back, visit their website Here.