Thanks to the LA Dodgers Foundation, youth baseball interest is on the rise in inner city Los Angeles and Rancho Cienaga Sports Complex (RCSC) is taking advantage, using the program as way to rebuild their baseball tradition. According to the Foundation’s website, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s goal is to provide baseball fields where inner city youth can learn and play in a safe environment .while learning the importance of playing team sports, ethics and fair play. As of November 2013, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has completed 33 Dreamfields, with a long-term goal of completing 50 Dreamfields.
RCSC is home to Darryl Strawberry, Eric Davis, and a number of influential sports influences from the Los Angeles inner-city youth sports community. But over the years, registration numbers have declined due to economic challenges and interest. With such hype surrounding professional basketball and football, baseball doesn’t often appeal to inner kids.
Although the RCSCis trying to save youth baseball, it wouldn’t be possible without the support from the Dodger Foundation. The Foundation refurbished the fields, assisted parents with registration fees, and assisted in the overall structure of the program.
“Not only did the Dodgers build a beautiful Dreamfield, they were able to subsidize the fee to only $25.00, which includes uniforms, equipment, and training clinics,” said Phillip Wiley, RCSC Recreation Coordinator.
The Dodgers are helping to resurrect the sport in over 30 inner-city communities throughout the city, while assuaging some common financial challenges that these communities face.
“The Dodgers Foundation has invested more than $5 million dollars in 37 Dodgers Dreamfields in underserved communities in LA,” said Nichol Whiteman, Executive Director of the Los Angeles-based organization. Dreamfields are baseball fields created for youth residing in inner city communities of Los Angeles. This initiative is through a partnership between the Dodgers Foundation, LA84 Foundation and the County of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
But the Foundation isn’t resting on its accomplishments, instead there are plans to expand. According to Whiteman, The Dodgers are also creating a Universally Accessible Dreamfield (Baldwin Hills Park), for use special needs kids, due summer 2015.
“With a goal of 50 fields, we intend to continue to build and refurbish these safe spaces for boys and girls to enjoy the games of baseball and softball while learning the true value of teamwork and sportsmanship,” Whiteman said. “Dreamfields add to true pride within one’s community.”
Where there was paucity, hundreds of future Dodger hopefuls field balls, swing for the fence, and enjoy the post games snacks supervised by Team Moms in communities throughout the city. The value of the Dodgers Foundation’s contributions is not in wins or losses, but in bestowing upon young athletes (and their parents) the principles of sportsmanship and ethics – before, during, and after competition. The growing attendance indicates the community is buying into the program. RCSC baseball Team Mom, Minisha Chapman, considers the extra curricular activity as great family time, “Because of baseball, our family communicates better on and off the field.”
The Dodgers frequently provide free tickets for players, coaches, and families. For many, this is their first professional baseball game experience. A picture of a 10 year-old kid, awestruck by the stadium’s magnificence, is the bigger picture. Away from the field, the Dodgers’ mission and focus is “to strengthen and support programs in Sports + Recreation, Education + Literacy and Health + Wellness benefitting children and families in need throughout the greater Los Angeles region. “Not only are kids asking to visit the park, they asking to sign up for baseball! Programs like these create a balance between competiveness and goodwill. Dodgers are in this community,” said Ralph Jordan, Senior Director 11, Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation.
“It feels great working in my community and witnessing how this program impacts family and builds community,” Wiley said. Dreamfield Coach, Greg Brookins, agrees with Wiley and feels this initiative provides opportunity to reach more youth. “The Dodgers are exposing the next generation of kids to the game of baseball,” he said.
Opening Day is May 9. For information on registration at RCSC call (323) 290-2330 or (323) 290-3141 or visit the park at 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. To find a Dreamfield in your area or for more information, visit the Dreamfield site dodgers.com/LADF