MARYSVILLE, Ohio and LADSON, S.C., May 09, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scotts and Major League Baseball today launch the first of six youth baseball and softball field refurbishments that will take place during the 2016 MLB season under the It’s Good Out Here™ Field Refurbishment Program. As part of a renewed national partnership announced earlier this year, Scotts and MLB have pledged to refurbish youth ball fields around the country over the next three seasons.

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In partnership with the Atlanta Braves, Tom Conley Field in Ladson, SC, is the first field to be refurbished this season. Enhancements made to the field include: new infield sod, new fencing and backstops, scoreboard, grading the infield, painting the dugouts and a new pitching rubber and home plate.  The new field was unveiled today at a special dedication ceremony with Mike Davitt, Scotts Director of Fertilizers and Durables, MLB Special Advisor on Youth Programs and Outreach Cal Ripken, Jr. and Jim Allen, Atlanta Braves Vice President of Corporate Partnerships.

“These field refurbishments are just one way we can give back to youth and communities across the country,” said Josh Peoples, Vice President and General Manager of Scotts. “Encouraging fans and family to get outside and enjoy activities like baseball is what this program is all about.”

“We are thrilled that a community in Braves Country was selected for the Field Refurbishment Program,” said Jim Allen, vice president of corporate partnerships for the Atlanta Braves. “It’s places like Ladson, South Carolina, that the game of baseball flourishes and we know the beautification of Tom Conley Field will inspire youth baseball players for years to come.” 

The It’s Good Out Here™ Field Refurbishment Program is one of the key programs under MLB’s PLAY BALL initiative which began last season to encourage widespread participation in all forms of baseball and softball activities, especially among youth.  Scotts is a proud supporter of PLAY BALL and also the title sponsor of Scotts MLB Pitch, Hit and Run - MLB’s largest national youth skills competition.

“Providing great fields for young people to play baseball on is an important component to continue growing the sport at the youth level,” said Noah Garden, MLB Executive Vice President, Business. “We are excited to partner with Scotts on refurbishing this field in Ladson, South Carolina, and to make our joint vision of restoring baseball fields across the country a reality.  As we get ready for the first ever Play Ball Weekend in the next few days, this is the first of many activities that will bring MLB, its clubs, players and partners together with the goal of passing the love of baseball on to the next generation."

The next five field refurbishments this year are set for local communities in partnership with the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres.  Scotts and MLB have partnered with the Cal Ripken Foundation and Fields Inc. to help execute the program this season.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company 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 exclusively marketed near worldwide by Scotts and owned by Monsanto.  In Europe, the Company's brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligène® and Substral®.  In 2016, the Company ranked on Forbes 100 Most Reputable Companies in America. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

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Kim Markus
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
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Matt Bourne or David Hochman
MLB
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