Chevrolet Hits Home Run with 'Dream' Baseball Diamond at Mebane's Walker Field

MEBANE, N.C., April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- What started as a simple online ZIP code nomination by area-resident Greg Brittian, became a boon for local baseball teams when Walker Field  was chosen as one of five winners of Chevrolet's 'Building Diamonds and Dreams' program.  

"I believe our kids deserve the best we can give them," said local winner Greg Brittian. "Having a high quality field will be a source of pride for our kids, our families, and our community for many years to come."

Now that spring is here and the baseball season is about to start, the entire community is invited to join Mebane mayor Glendel Stephenson as he kicks off the 'new' field dedication ceremony on Thursday April 14 at 4:00 PM at the Walker Field 406 South 2nd Street, Mebane, NC  27302

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 park to receive the professional field renovation.  

The refurbishments focused on the aesthetics and playability of the field by providing major league quality materials. For Walker Field the makeover included moving the field forward 15 feet, a new infield arch line, 40 tons of infield mix and laser grading, new bases and base anchors, an irrigation supply line installed on first base side, a reconstructed pitching mound and a new pitching rubber.  Renovations were completed in November 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 Mebane 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 chevybaseball.com

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.

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About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer 25-50 miles of electric driving and an additional 310 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing).  Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro

With approximately $3 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In the U.S., the Company operates Scotts LawnService®, the second largest residential lawn care service business.  In Europe, the Company's brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligene® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scotts.com.

SOURCE General Motors