Major League Baseball has formally renamed Historic Dodgertown to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. The facility will serve as a year-round hub of amateur development initiatives and events focused on diversifying and strengthening the talent pipelines of baseball and softball.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced the change during a press conference that was attended by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner and current Dodgertown chairman Peter O’Malley, as well as members of the Robinson Family, including Rachel, Sharon and David – Jackie’s wife, daughter and son, respectively.
“The Jackie Robinson Training Complex will honor the history and legacy of Dodgertown by fostering the development of the diverse collection of young men and women who are the future of our game,” Manfred said.
“Our plans for the facility extend beyond the playing field and will include growth opportunities for the athletes as they learn about personal character and those who paved the way before them, especially Jackie. We believe those who play at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex will be among some of the most passionate and dedicated players in the country.”
The Robinson Family added: “We’re thrilled that MLB will rename Dodgertown after Jack. He was devoted to young people and we’re excited to know that boys and girls will come here to advance their baseball skills while learning to be compassionate, productive, well-educated adults.”
MLB reached an agreement last November to begin the process of renovating the Dodgers’ former Spring Training home. The league officially assumed operational control of the grounds Jan. 2.
“Major League Baseball is the ideal leader for Dodgertown’s next chapter,” O’Malley said. “Commissioner Rob Manfred and his colleagues understand the historical significance of this unique place and they’ll do an excellent job being responsible for it. The people of Vero Beach and Indian River County will be very proud of having Major League Baseball members of their community.”
Improvements to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex are expected to include a new indoor training facility and upgrades to Holman Stadium.
The Jackie Robinson Training Complex currently is comprised of Holman Stadium (6,500 seat capacity), four additional full-size baseball fields, one half field (90-foot basepaths, no outfield), four softball and youth baseball fields, eight indoor and lighted batting/pitching tunnels, four outdoor batting tunnels with pitching machines, 32 mounds and home plates for individual work, and a 60-yard agility and warm-up area.
Included below are current summer events scheduled at the Jackie Robinson Spring Training Complex, which will come at no cost to the participants.
- Baseball Breakthrough Series East (with USA Baseball): June 6-10
- Girls Baseball Breakthrough Series (with USA Baseball): June 14-18
- Softball Elite Development Invitational (with USA Softball): July 12-16
- Hank Aaron Invitational (wwith USA Baseball and MLB Players Association): July 21-Aug. 2
- RBI Baseball & Softball World Series: Aug. 4-15
