Turns out Morgan Wallen doesn’t just produce hits for the country music scene, he also hits it out of the park. Wallen clubbed a home run for Nashville youth sports with a $500,000 donation to the Parkwood Community Club, to further help revitalize the historic black baseball and softball facility in North Nashville.
“I started the Morgan Wallen Foundation to support youth in two areas – sports and music,” Wallen said in a statement. “When I heard about Parkwood, right here in Nashville, I knew I wanted to help.”
Wallen teamed up with Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association Youth Development Foundation who also donated $500,000, bringing the total contribution to Parkwood to $1 million dollars.
Wallen has always had a passion for baseball. He was a High School pitcher at Gibbs High in Tennessee, but after an injury to his UCL in his throwing elbow, Wallen put down the glove and picked up the guitar. I think even Wallen would say it turned out for the best. But that love for America’s Pastime still remains.
“Every child deserves a chance to play ball and be a part of a team, and I truly appreciate this opportunity to be a part of Parkwood’s next inning,” Wallen said. “I can’t wait to come back out here and see the park once it has been renovated.”
The funds will support the renovation of the complex, which includes upgrading two of the four baseball and softball fields. The Parkwood project aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for local youth to play baseball and softball, promoting community development and revitalization in the area.
“In visiting the historic fields, I instantly felt the significance of Parkwood to Nashville’s baseball and softball community,” Jean Lee Batrus, Executive Director, MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, shared. “These sports have the power to strengthen lives and communities. YDF is thrilled to team up with Habitat for Humanity and other partnering organizations who are equally passionate about empowering youth access to baseball and softball.”
It is not the first time the Morgan Wallen Foundation has stepped up to the plate and supported youth baseball. Earlier this year he donated $100,000 to South Chicago’s Bessemer Park. That donation was matched by the Chicago Cubs and helped improve and upgrade equipment and facilities. The foundation has made its mission to support youth revitalization projects in underserved communities for both sport and music.