Detroit Tigers slugger announces scholarship plan at Detroit church

Published: 2008-01-18

DETROIT (CNS) -- To the cheers of hundreds of kids involved in Little League baseball, Detroit Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez announced Jan. 13 a new scholarship to help young people from southwest Detroit go to college. Speaking mostly in Spanish to the largely Hispanic crowd gathered in the basement of Most Holy Redeemer Church, the American League batting champion announced the establishment of the Ordonez Family Scholarship, which will provide $2,500 a year for full-time study at any college or university in the United States. A different recipient from a southwest Detroit high school will be chosen each year, and the scholarship is renewable for up to four years, for a total value of $10,000. Ordonez encouraged the young people in their love of baseball and spoke to them about the importance of college. The ballplayer arranged the scholarship through the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. In addition, the Tigers will refurbish area baseball diamonds where Little League teams play.

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