MLB and Braves Commit Millions to Community Projects Ahead of 2025 All-Star Game
Major League Baseball (MLB), the Atlanta Braves, and the Atlanta Braves Foundation are jointly investing millions of dollars into several initiatives to uplift communities across the greater Atlanta area. This investment comes as part of the 2025 All-Star Legacy initiative, aimed at ensuring that the 2025 MLB All-Star Week leaves a lasting, positive impact on the region.
Through the MLB Together platform, the league and team will contribute over $4 million to a range of projects focused on youth sports, veteran services, and sustainable community development.
“These efforts go beyond a partnership,” said April Brown, MLB’s Senior VP of Social Responsibility. “They reflect a deep, shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community support — honoring the Braves’ ongoing dedication to Atlanta.”
The initiatives will be highlighted during the lead-up to the 95th MLB All-Star Game and include the following:
1. Rhyne Park Softball Complex Renovation (Cobb County)
The park will receive three new turf fields, a batting cage, updated fencing, fresh paint, and windscreens. This upgrade aims to boost softball opportunities for local youth and continue building on the success of previous community collaborations.
2. Warrior Fitness Trailer at Camp Southern Ground (Fayetteville)
In partnership with Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground, a Braves-branded mobile fitness trailer will be developed to support post-9/11 veterans. The trailer will offer customized wellness programs designed to aid physical and mental recovery and help veterans adjust to civilian life.
The initiative will support two veteran programs:
- Warrior Week – easing transition from military to civilian life
- Warrior PATHH – assisting veterans with PTSD and combat-related stress
3. Sensory Room at Truist Park
A new sensory-friendly space will be added to Truist Park for neurodivergent guests and those with sensory sensitivities. This inclusive environment will offer a quiet, accommodating area during All-Star Week and future ballpark events.
4. Leila Valley Community Farm Development (Southeast Atlanta)
Alongside Food Well Alliance and Atlanta Housing, MLB and the Braves will create a sustainable, seven-acre farm at the Leila Valley apartment complex. The site will feature gardens, orchards, and crop areas, producing thousands of pounds of fresh produce for local residents annually. Up to 100 volunteers will help launch the project during All-Star Week.
5. Barksdale Field Renovation at Boys & Girls Club (Conyers)
MLB and the Braves will revamp the baseball field at the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club. Improvements will include field repairs, security fencing, dugout and scoreboard renovations, and new irrigation and lighting systems.
Danielle Bedasse, Vice President of Community Affairs for the Braves and Executive Director of the Braves Foundation, emphasized the initiative’s long-term vision:
“We want All-Star Week’s legacy to resonate for generations. These projects reflect our commitment to community, access to the game, and support for those who serve and live in underserved areas.”
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