Cal Ripken, Jr. Breaks Ground on New Youth Baseball Field
Bridgeport kids will have a new place to play
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. was in Bridgeport today for the groundbreaking of a new youth baseball field at Longfellow School.
The field is being made possible by $3.5 million in funding from state bonding, as well as a generous donation from the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.
"We are thrilled to bring one of our Youth Development Parks to Bridgeport. Giving kids a safe place to play is so important and thanks to the support of Mayor Finch, state legislators, the corporate community and other key advocates like Congressman Himes we are able to do that," said Cal Ripken, Jr.
Also on hand for the groundbreaking were State Senators Carlo Leone (D-Stamford), Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull), and Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport).
"Baseball is a fantastic game and a great, healthy after-school activity for city kids. Cal Ripken, Jr. proves he's an all-star once again by helping to build this new park in Bridgeport. This field will be a great addition to the neighborhood," said Gomes.
The new field will be designed with a synthetic, multipurpose surface to promote safety and long-term durability for years of enjoyment.
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation hopes to build similar parks throughout the state. The next one will most likely be in Stamford and will be funded by the remainder of the $3.5 million grant.
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