Rockdale celebrates new All-Star Legacy Field at Barksdale Boys & Girls Club, applauds Braves and MLB for investment in youths

ROCKDALE COUNTY—Cheers erupted as a young player threw the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday, July 10, marking the grand unveiling of the newly renovated All-Star Legacy Field at the Barksdale Boys & Girls Club. 

The field renovation, a joint initiative of the Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball was celebrated during MLB’s All-Star Game Week festivities. The project is one of five All-Star Legacy Projects in the metro Atlanta area. 

Cassey McCray, program director at the Barksdale Boys & Girls Club, said the new field is a dream come true, applauding the Braves and MLB’s $300,000 investment into the Rockdale community.  

“We are so excited. This is not only about teaching children sportsmanship and enjoying the game of baseball. It’s about education—learning about character and what it means to be a good student,” said McCray.

McCray said that currently 44 members of the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club are on the roster for the baseball program, which will serve children ages 5 to 14.  

Representatives from the Braves, MLB, local elected officials, community leaders, and Boys and Girls Club staff and members gathered under sunny skies for the celebration. 

In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, the Braves and MLB have committed over $4 million to expanding access to baseball and softball across the region, continuing their legacy of investing in youths and communities. 

Jeremy “Otis” Maher, Atlanta Braves’ in-stadium host, served as emcee for the unveiling in Conyers. Maher called the Conyers ball field an “amazing” place that Rockdale kids will enjoy for years to come.    

“This project is one of five All-Star Legacy projects being dedicated this week and represents the commitment made to the kids, Conyers and Rockdale County, and kids all across metro Atlanta,” said Maher.  “It reflects the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s commitment to increasing access to the game that we all love—baseball.  …This just makes me smile so big to see that these kids are going to have such an amazing place to get out there and enjoy the game, learn some skills and maybe one day wear an Atlanta Braves jersey.”  

Conyers City Councilwoman Connie Alsobrook said the new field is an inspiration.  

“It’s very exciting to see something like this come to Conyers— a big win for our children,” Alsobrook said. 

Alsobrook along with Conyers Mayor Vince Evans, State Rep. Rhonda Taylor, Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett, Rockdale District Alisha Johnson and Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Shirley Chesser were among local officials who attended the event.   

The renovated baseball field in Conyers includes the installation of artificial turf, security fencing around the perimeter of the field, and major repairs to the dugout.  A new scoreboard and irrigation and light systems also were installed as part of the renovation. 

The Barksdale Boys & Girls Club also received a 2025 Chevrolet Suburban, which was unveiled during Thursday’s celebration. 

Video and photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com