News Summary

In Burnsville, NC, the Atlanta Braves and Truist are reviving Mountain Heritage High School’s baseball and softball fields after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Upgrades include new fencing, dugouts, and a scoreboard, fostering community spirit and pride among students and local residents. Volunteer efforts emphasize collective engagement as the enhancements take shape, preparing for an upcoming celebration of teamwork and community support.

Atlanta Braves Team Up with Truist to Revive Mountain Heritage High School Baseball and Softball Fields

In the quaint town of Burnsville, North Carolina, an inspiring story is unfolding as the beloved baseball diamond at Mountain Heritage High School receives a much-needed makeover thanks to a collaboration between the Atlanta Braves and Truist. More than a year ago, this once lively field was transformed into a helicopter landing pad for first responders after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene struck the area.

The hurricane left the baseball and softball facilities in a state of disrepair, making them unsafe for young athletes looking to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Students were left saddened by the sight of their beloved fields, with reports of deep ruts caused by helicopters and forklifts used during the emergency response. Coaches expressed their concern as well, noting how dangerous the grounds had become for play.

A Home Run for Community Spirit

Now, with the support of the Atlanta Braves’ “Braves Park Projects” initiative, revitalization efforts are underway. This marks a significant moment as it’s the first time the Braves have extended their resources to facilities in North Carolina, and Mountain Heritage is one of two lucky locations designated for this generous support. Excitement is in the air as students and community members eagerly anticipate the enhancements to their sporting fields.

The upgrades are quite remarkable; they include repairs to the outfield fencing, newly revamped dugouts, the installation of windscreens for both fields, and a brand new scoreboard that will surely brighten up game days. As the changes take shape, students can already see impressive advancements like shiny new fencing being put up, fostering a renewed sense of hope for the upcoming season.

Community Involvement Takes Center Stage

The revitalization initiative isn’t just about physical changes; it’s also about building community ties. Truist has emphasized the importance of a collective effort and how crucial community support is in projects like this. Volunteers from both Truist and the Braves have rolled up their sleeves to actively participate, painting dugouts, pulling weeds, and even planting a ceremonial magnolia tree. The tree, brought from Atlanta, symbolizes the solid bond forming between the Braves organization and the Mountain Heritage community.

Plans for a formal celebration are set for Tuesday, October 14, showcasing the teamwork that has brought these enhancements to fruition. The community is invited to join in the festivities, which will include opening remarks, a ceremonial first pitch, and additional volunteer projects aimed at further improving the facilities.

Another Field in Need of Attention

Mountain Heritage High School isn’t the only beneficiary of the Braves Park Projects. The Elks Lodge Field, located in Western North Carolina, will also undergo significant upgrades following damages from Hurricane Helene. Improvements at Elks Lodge Field will include new fencing for the first base line, third base line, outfield, and batting cages, giving local players more safe areas to hone their skills.

As the community rallies around these projects, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a renewed sense of pride in their sporting facilities. With each enhancement, there’s a growing realization that these upgrades not only benefit the players but also foster character development and community spirit. The collaboration between the Atlanta Braves and Truist serves as a powerful reminder of the ways sports can bring people together, creating lasting memories for the youth and the entire community.

As the ballfields continue to take shape, excitement builds for the season ahead. With the hard work of so many, Mountain Heritage High School’s players will soon be able to step onto the field with a sense of pride and ownership, ready to make their mark in the world of baseball and softball.

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