In a powerful display of community collaboration, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA), the Atlanta Braves, and Major League Baseball (MLB) have teamed up to breathe new life into the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Club in Conyers.
This revitalization project is more than just a field upgrade—it’s a commitment to the future of Rockdale County’s youth. The transformation includes a fully refurbished baseball diamond, new perimeter security fencing, major repairs to the dugout and scoreboard, and the installation of modern irrigation and lighting systems. These enhancements ensure that young athletes have a safe, high-quality space to play, grow, and dream big.
“It’s a beautiful day for baseball—and an even better one for the community,” said Libby Saylor Wright, President & CEO of BGCMA. “Standing here on this brand-new diamond, I’m reminded of how powerful it is when people step up to the plate for our youth. This field is more than fresh sod and new fencing. It’s a symbol. A sign to our kids that they deserve spaces that are cared for, and that they’re worth the investment.”
This project builds on a longstanding relationship between the Braves and local Boys & Girls Clubs. Boys & Girls Clubs of America, headquartered in Atlanta, has been MLB’s official charitable partner since 1997 and a consistent beneficiary of the All-Star Legacy program. The Barksdale field marks the second such renovation in five years, following the 2021 transformation of the Anderson Boys & Girls Club field in Marietta.
Adding to the celebration, Chevrolet generously donated a vehicle to the Barksdale Club, further demonstrating the collective commitment to empowering Metro Atlanta’s youth.
“This is how you build a legacy worth cheering for,” Wright added. “That consistency, that commitment, speaks volumes.”