Atlanta, GA, October 13, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Braves Foundation has announced the launch of the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative to upgrade baseball and softball fields across Atlanta Public Schools. The project aims to honor Hank Aaron and enhance facilities for student-athletes. Starting with select high schools, the initiative will provide comprehensive upgrades including new turf infields and facility improvements while promoting community engagement and reducing maintenance costs. Funding for the initiative comes from various supporters, emphasizing the commitment to improving youth athletics in the community.
Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Braves Foundation is launching the “Hank Aaron Diamonds” initiative, aimed at upgrading baseball and softball fields across Atlanta Public Schools (APS). The announcement was made on October 9, 2025, at Truist Park and is designed to honor Braves legend Hank Aaron while enhancing opportunities for local student-athletes.
Under this initiative, all APS high schools that offer baseball and softball programs will receive comprehensive field upgrades, which include new turf infields and major facility improvements. Scheduled for a groundbreaking later in October 2025, the project will begin with Washington High School, Jackson High School, Mays High School, and North Atlanta High School receiving upgrades in the first phase. The renovations will be carried out in subsequent phases, with four schools upgraded at a time. The initiative aims to complete all new fields by February 2026, with the first softball field’s upgrades expected to be finished after the Fall 2025 season, so they are ready for the 2026 high school softball season.
Funding for the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative will come from the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s Henry Louis Aaron Fund, which supports projects to increase representation and access to baseball and softball. This initiative has gained substantial backing from various organizations, including the Southern Company Foundation, Major League Baseball, Truist, Delta Air Lines, Google, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Gas South, and Comcast.
The upgrades aim to reduce maintenance costs and address drainage issues, which will significantly enhance the playing conditions and reduce the number of rainouts, allowing for more practice and competition time. Derek Schiller, President & CEO of the Atlanta Braves, noted the importance of Hank Aaron’s legacy and the project’s role in promoting community service through sports and education. Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson also expressed appreciation for the partnership and the commitment to improving youth athletics in the community.
The Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative stands as a critical effort to fortify APS’s athletic programs and improve the infrastructure of baseball and softball in the area, ensuring that student-athletes have access to high-quality facilities and resources for their development.
Key Features of the Initiative
- Project Name: Hank Aaron Diamonds
- Announcement Date: October 9, 2025
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Schools Involved: All APS high schools with baseball and softball programs
- First Phase Schools: Washington High School, Jackson High School, Mays High School, North Atlanta High School
- Completion Target: February 2026
- Funding Sources: Various sponsors including Southern Company Foundation, Major League Baseball, Truist, Delta Air Lines, Google, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Gas South, and Comcast.
- Goals: To enhance opportunities for student-athletes and reduce rainouts.
FAQ
What is the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative?
The Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative is a project launched by the Atlanta Braves Foundation to upgrade baseball and softball fields across Atlanta Public Schools (APS).
Which schools are receiving upgrades in the first phase of the project?
The first four schools to receive field upgrades are Washington High School, Jackson High School, Mays High School, and North Atlanta High School.
When will the upgrades be completed?
All new fields are expected to be completed within two years, targeting February 2026 for the first phase.
Who is funding the initiative?
The initiative is funded through the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s Henry Louis Aaron Fund, with backing from various organizations, including the Southern Company Foundation, Major League Baseball, and others.
What improvements will be made?
The project will feature new turf infields and major facility improvements aimed at reducing maintenance costs and resolving drainage issues.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Hank Aaron Diamonds |
| Announcement Date | October 9, 2025 |
| Location | Atlanta, GA |
| Schools Involved | All APS high schools |
| First Phase Schools | Washington, Jackson, Mays, North Atlanta High Schools |
| Completion Target | February 2026 |
| Funding Sources | Southern Company Foundation, Major League Baseball, and others |
| Goals | Enhance student-athlete opportunities, reduce rainouts |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Hank Aaron
- Atlanta News First
- Google Search: Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative
- WSB-TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hank Aaron
- WSB Radio
- Google News: Atlanta Braves baseball fields upgrades
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