Major League Baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies announced more than $5 million in community investments across Philadelphia through MLB’s Legacy Project, funding improvements to athletic facilities and local organizations throughout the city. The announcement was made Tuesday and highlighte d several projects aimed at expanding access to sports, education and community resources. One of the featured projects is a refurbishment of Ashburn Field in South Philadelphia, located across from FDR Park. MLB Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility April Brown said the field, which was was built in 1998 using funds generated from the 1996 All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium, will now receive significant upgrades, including a new playing surface. “They’re going to get a turf field to play on right at Ashburn Field,” she said. “And kids from all over the neighborhood and kids playing in tournaments will have a brand new field to play on.” The Southeastern Pennsylvania Miracle League was among the organizations recognized during the event. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and first lady Lori Shapiro attended as Miracle League representatives threw out a ceremonial first pitch and accepted a $300,000 contribution. The funding will support the organization’s efforts to provide baseball opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Philadelphia Jun 8 New website aims to help travelers navigate major Philadelphia events MLB Apr 21 Check out the newly minted 2026 MLB All-Star Week of events in Philadelphia “Partnering with Miracle League allows us to invest and children and youth who love the game,” Brown said. Former Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino was also on hand as MLB announced support for the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys Girls Club. Fifteen years after the facility opened, the club will receive upgrades through a partnership between MLB’s Legacy Project and America 250. “I’m honored to actually help with it,” Victorino said. “If you had told me in 2011, when the Boys Girls Club had opened, that 15 years later there was an opportunity to work alongside Major League Baseball to upgrade and refurbish and work at the ballpark next door to my Boys Girls Club. It truely means everything to me.” The initiative also includes a new tribute recognizing the Philadelphia Stars of the Negro Leagues, adding another chapter to the city’s rich baseball history. “There will be a new, 3D installation, which is going to be amazing, which is really going to represent the legacy of the neighborhood and the residents who live in that neighborhood as baseball fans,” Brown said. Additional investments will be made at Philadelphia’s Multi-Service Center for Veterans and at Tree House Books in North Philadelphia, which provides free books to children. Organizers said the projects are designed to leave a lasting impact on Philadelphia neighborhoods while strengthening community resources through the power of baseball. “Whenever we have the opportunities to be in host cities around the country with the club, is to really leave a legacy behind,” Brown said. “We have a big game with our All-Star Game. We have the stars of baseball on that field. But what is really important is that when that game is played and over, that we’ve left a community investment.” This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less