VERO BEACH, Fla. — Officials from Major League Baseball revealed plans on Tuesday about the future of Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.
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MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred, Jr. said the facility will be renamed the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, after the legendary athlete who broke the color barrier in professional baseball.
"Jackie was responsible for the most important moment in the history of baseball," said Commissioner Manfred, Jr., who was joined by Robinson's family at Tuesday's news conference.
"For me, this is not just about a chance to build baseball skills," said Sharon Robinson, Jackie Robinson's daughter and the Vice Chair of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. "It's also a chance to help our young people become strong, compassionate, ready for the world of work, ready for college, and strong character."
Back in December, Indian River County leaders approved a lease agreement that allows MLB to invest millions of dollars into the stadium to turn it into a center for youth and amateur baseball and softball.
Dodgertown first opened in 1948 and was the spring training home of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers until 2008.