Chevrolet Hits Home Run with 'Dream' Baseball Diamond At Weymouth Township Municipal Complex

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WEYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, NJ--April 7, 2011:

What started as a simple online ZIP code nomination by area-resident Michael Goldberg became a boon for local baseball teams when a Weymouth Township municipal field was chosen as one of five winners of Chevrolet's 'Building Diamonds and Dreams' program.

Local winner Goldberg selected Weymouth Township to be the beneficiary of the field renovation. The township's only usable baseball field received the renovation, which primarily will benefit the West Atlantic County Youth League, which offers youth sports programs for area residents.

"It's a nice feeling to help others, especially the children," said local winner Michael Goldberg. "Weymouth Township is a rural area and this gift means a lot to them."

Now that spring is here and the baseball season is about to start, the entire community is invited to join Frank C. Craig, Mayor of Weymouth Township as he commemorates the 'new' field at a dedication ceremony on Friday April 8 at 4:00 PM at the Weymouth Township Municipal Complex, 45 South Jersey Ave., Dorothy, NJ 08317.

The 2010 Building Diamonds and Dreams program, sponsored by Chevrolet and The Scotts Company, was an online promotion where fans of local youth baseball teams nominated their community for a chance to win a field makeover. Five winners were drawn from all entries and the winners chose the youth league of their choice to receive the professional field renovation. In addition to winning the field makeover, local winner Goldberg won the grand prize -- a new Chevrolet vehicle. Goldberg chose a 2011 Chevy Traverse.

"We can't believe our good fortune," said Goldberg. "My wife and I especially like all the safety features of the Traverse. It's a very comfortable car and whether we go shopping or to a sporting event, it's our ride of choice."

The refurbishments focused on the aesthetics and playability of the field by providing major league quality materials for the renovation. For the Weymouth Township Municipal Complex, the makeover included grading the infield, sod installations including cutouts, batter's box material and warning tracks, the extension of an in-field irrigation system, baseboards added to the fence line, infield materials added to dugouts, a reconstructed pitcher's mound, and yellow fence caps added to the side poles along the backstop and dugouts for safety and uniformity. Renovations were completed in October of 2010 by Ripken Design, the sports design and consulting firm owned by National Baseball Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken, Jr. and 12-year Major League Baseball veteran, Bill Ripken.

"Chevrolet's 'Building Diamonds and Dreams' program is another facet of our commitment to youth baseball programs across America," said Phil Caruso, Chevrolet Marketing Manager. "Every young ball player wants and deserves a 'dream' baseball diamond, and Chevrolet, along with our partner, The Scotts Company, is proud to have brought one to the Weymouth Township community."

Chevrolet is proud to be the "Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball." Through the Chevy Youth Baseball program, Chevrolet supports youth baseball leagues in communities across the country. Since its beginning in Atlanta in 2006, Chevy Youth Baseball has benefited more than one million youth baseball players and their families. More information about the 2011 Building Diamonds and Dreams program can be found at Chevy Baseball.

Scotts, the Official Lawn Care Company of MLB, continues to partner with Chevrolet and MLB on multiple field refurbishments. Scotts believes that it is important to offer youth a safe, reliable field and playing area. In addition to helping reduce injuries, a strong foundation of thick and lush grass helps to create a beautiful outdoor environment that encourages children to spend time outdoors.