MLB, Atlanta Braves announce over $4 million in 2025 All-Star Legacy initiative projects

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Atlanta Braves are investing millions in several projects aimed at bettering the lives of people throughout metro Atlanta.

The sporting league and the team, along with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, announced the 2025 All-Star Legacy initiative, which the organizations said will “ensure that the 2025 MLB All-Star Week leaves a meaningful impact in and throughout greater metro Atlanta.”

Through MLB Together, they will make a combined investment of more than $4 million into several different projects.

The projects are aimed at several initiatives, including giving youth access to baseball and softball, offering to veterans and giving resources like sustainable food and farming methods to underserved communities.

“Partnering with the Atlanta Braves for the 2025 All-Star Legacy initiative is more than a collaboration — it’s a shared commitment to helping local communities through access and innovation,” said April Brown, MLB senior vice president of social responsibility. “This year’s Legacy initiative reflects the core values of MLB Together, delivering enduring impact through strategic investments in youth empowerment, veteran , and inclusive programming — while honoring the Braves’ deep-rooted dedication to the greater Atlanta community.”

The projects, both MLB and the Braves said, will be commemorated throughout the week leading up to the 95th MLB All-Star Game.

Here are the projects:

Field renovation at Rhyne Park Softball Complex: This project looks to enhance the softball experience at Cobb County’s Rhyne Park by adding three new turf fields and a batting cage, plus updated fencing, painting and windscreens.

The organizations said that through this project, “MLB and the Braves are leveraging the momentum this successful association has already established to build excitement and offer quality softball programming to the next generation of softball athletes.”

The facility, which has several softball fields has struggled with flooding in the spring, which has wreaked havoc on youth softball seasons.

“We sit in a very low area right next to the creek, so that’s been one of the issues. We’ve had some water backup in certain areas,” said Cobb County Parks Director Michael Brantley.

Camp Southern Ground warrior fitness trailer: With Grammy Award-winning artist Zac Brown, the organizations and Camp Southern Ground will create a Braves-themed Warrior Fitness trailer. The trailer will serve veterans at Camp South Ground’s retreat facility in Fayetteville.

“This new mobile facility will allow for tailored fitness programs that promote physical and mental wellness, foster a sense of community among veterans, and assist in the transition from military service to civilian life,” the organizations said.

Camp Southern Ground s post-9/11 veterans through two free programs, Warrior Week and the Warrior PATHH.

Warrior Week helps veterans during the transition back to civilian life after serving. Warrior PATHH, which stands for Progressive Alternative Training for Helping Heroes, helps veterans struggling with PTSD or stress from combat.

Sensory space at Truist Park: The Braves and MLB will build a sensory space at Truist Park, which will be open during activities at the ballpark to those with neurodivergent and sensory needs.

“Opening All-Star Week, this space will provide a unique and inclusive location for fans and their loved ones to take a sensory break when visiting Truist Park for years to come,” the organizations said.

Leila Valley Community Farm volunteer event: MLB and the Braves, along with Food Well Alliance and Atlanta Housing, will “cultivate an innovative farm, garden and orchard at the currently undeveloped Leila Valley apartment site in southeast Atlanta.”

When finished, the seven-acre farm will “provide tens of thousands of pounds of fresh produce to Atlanta Housing residents annually,” the organizations said.

The organizations said up to 100 Atlanta Braves, MLB, and Food Well Alliance volunteers will “serve together to set the community up for successful future harvests and establish sustainable food sources for nearby residents during the Legacy project’s unveiling and harvest during All-Star Week.”

“This is truly a game changer,” said Food Well Alliance Executive Director Kate Conner. “We’re estimating over ten years, a minimum of 100,000 pounds of food.”

Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta Barksdale baseball field renovation: The Braves and MLB will partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta to renovate the baseball field at A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club in Conyers.

“The project, located at the A.R. Gus Boys & Girls Club, includes refurbishment of the baseball field, installation of security fencing around the perimeter to protect the field and its s, substantial repairs to the dugout and scoreboard, as well as installation of irrigation and light systems,” the organizations said.

“The mission of the Atlanta Braves Foundation is to build community through baseball, and we want the legacy of All-Star Week in Atlanta to leave an impact on this community that can extend for generations,” said Danielle Bedasse, Atlanta Braves Foundation vice president of community affairs and executive director. “Working with Major League Baseball and our incredible corporate and community partners, we want to invest in projects across the Metro Atlanta area that reflect our organization’s heart for service and the desire to increase access to our sport, provide for the underserved in our community and meet the needs of those who protect us all.”

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be on July 15 at Truist Park.

Since the All-Star Legacy initiative’s inception in 1997, MLB and host Clubs have contributed almost $120 million to local communities.

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