Derek Jeter Donates $3.2 Million For KC Baseball Complex Project

Derek Jeter, through his Turn 2 Foundation is funding a major renovation of the baseball facilities at his alma mater, Kalamazoo Central High School. The $3.2 million dollar project will see a complete renovation of the fields, complete with new seating, new dugouts and synthetic turf.

The project was approved by the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education at its July 25 meeting, and should begin after the 2020 baseball and softball season and be complete by "late Spring 2021," according to a KPS release.

Jeter, who grew up just down the street from Kalamazoo Central, began his soon to be Hall of Fame baseball career at the school.

“Growing up playing baseball in Kalamazoo is how I realized my passion for the game, and it’s where I began the road to pursuing my dreams of playing professionally,” said Derek Jeter. “This project is very special to me, and I’m excited to work with the community to create an environment that will inspire local youth to work hard to achieve their full potential and accomplish their goals.” - Derek Jeter via KPS press release

A press conference is scheduled for Friday, July 26th at 10am at Kalamazoo Central's Auditorium lobby, and will feature Jeter's sister, Sharlee Jeter, the president of the Turn 2 Foundation, local school officials and officials related to the project.