Mets Owners Donate $2M to Boost Women’s Baseball Initiatives
The New York Mets have stepped up in a big way to support women’s baseball. Owners Steve and Alex Cohen donated over $2 million to the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC), a nonprofit focused on advancing women’s roles in the sport.
This donation will help renovate Beyer Stadium in Rockford, Illinois. It’ll also fund a museum that’s all about women’s baseball.
They’re aiming to finish the project by 2030. The stadium renovations should wrap up by 2026, just in time to host a group stage of the Women’s Baseball World Cup.
The Impact of the Cohens’ Donation
Table of Contents
The Cohens made their donations through two charitable arms. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation gave a $2 million grant, and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation chipped in $350,000 more.
This money gives the IWBC a real boost as they work to preserve and promote women’s baseball. It’s not every day you see support like this.
Renovation of Beyer Stadium
Beyer Stadium has a lot of history—it was home to the Rockford Peaches, made famous by *A League of Their Own*. The IWBC plans to renovate the stadium while keeping its unique character alive.
They’re on track to finish renovations by 2026, which means the stadium will be ready for a group stage of the Women’s Baseball World Cup. That’s a big deal for Rockford.
The area around the stadium will be called Maybelle Blair Park. It’s named after Maybelle Blair, the IWBC founding director emeritus and a former pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
This is a nod to Blair’s impact on the sport and her efforts to inspire future generations of female baseball players.
Building a Museum Dedicated to Women’s Baseball
The IWBC also plans to build a museum focused on women’s baseball. This museum will showcase memorabilia, historical documents, and interactive exhibits.
Visitors will get a closer look at the contributions women have made to the sport. It’s about time these stories got a proper spotlight.
Completion Timeline and Future Events
The project includes both the stadium renovation and the museum construction, with everything expected to be done by 2030. Stadium renovations come first, with a goal of completion by 2026.
This timing lines up perfectly with plans to host a Women’s Baseball World Cup group stage. It’ll bring international attention to Rockford and women’s baseball.
The Role of the IWBC in Promoting Women’s Baseball
The International Women’s Baseball Center does a lot to promote and preserve women’s legacy in baseball. They work to make sure female players get the recognition they deserve.
Through events and exhibitions, the IWBC wants to inspire the next generation of female athletes. They’re pushing for more opportunities for girls in baseball.
Educational Programs and Community Outreach
The IWBC runs a variety of educational programs for young athletes. These include baseball clinics, mentorships, and workshops.
They want young girls to build their skills and confidence. The IWBC also connects with local schools and community groups to get more girls interested in the sport.
Steve and Alex Cohen: Champions of Women’s Baseball
Steve and Alex Cohen’s donations show real commitment to women’s baseball. Steve Cohen became the Mets’ majority owner in 2021, after buying the team for $2.4 billion.
According to Forbes, his wealth has grown to around $23 billion. That’s a lot of resources to put behind causes he cares about.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
Philanthropic Efforts and Community Support
The Cohens support a range of causes through their foundations, from education to healthcare and the arts. Their backing of the IWBC shows they care about gender equality in sports.
Alex Cohen, especially, has spoken up for women’s baseball. She called Maybelle Blair a “baseball trailblazer and truly in a league of her own.”
Alex’s support for the IWBC matches her passion for inspiring the next generation of female baseball players. She’s all in on preserving women’s history in the sport.
The Future of Women’s Baseball
With the Cohens’ donations and the IWBC’s continued work, women’s baseball has a brighter future ahead. Renovating Beyer Stadium and building the museum will help celebrate women athletes and bring more attention to the sport.
Continued Fundraising Efforts
The Cohens’ donations are certainly generous, but the IWBC isn’t stopping there. They’re still working hard to raise funds to finish the entire six-acre campus and center.
The organization wants to make sure the project gets fully funded. They’re determined to preserve the legacy of women’s baseball for future generations, and honestly, who could blame them?
IWBC’s CEO, Dr. Kat Williams, shared her gratitude for the Cohens’ support. She said their contributions will make a *profound and lasting impact* on Rockford and beyond.
For more details on this exciting development, check out the full article on the New York Times.