The Dallas Education Foundation received a $50,000 donation from Texas Rangers Hall of Famer Michael Young to restore the Reverchon Park Ball Field which will serve as the home field for the North Dallas High School Bulldogs baseball team. Many Dallas residents know Mr. Young as an immensely talented baseball player whose #10 jersey was retired by the Rangers in 2019. In addition to his incredible success on the field, Mr. Young is also a huge advocate for students with his Young Heroes Scholarship Program, the Michael Young Family Hispanic Scholarship Program, and the Michael Young Family Foundation.
Even with deep roots and historic significance to the community, the 1920’s era ballpark is in desperate need of repair and restoration including adding seating along the baselines, a reliable scoreboard, and a new concession stand; replacing unsafe bleachers and unusable bathrooms; and modernizing the dugouts, batting cages and press box.
“Keeping the Reverchon mystique intact, the look and feel people remember is a top priority,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. He, too, once graced the field as a young Dallas ISD student, along with many other local residents.
“I’m honored that the Dallas Education Foundation shared the opportunity to support the Reverchon Park renovation project. I’m a product of community ballparks. I remember the ways it energized the community, brought people together, and served as a focal point of positivity,” said Michael Young. “The young people in our community, and their families, deserve to have a place they can be proud of and call their own. Dallas has always embraced me and my family, and we are thrilled to be able to support this inclusive project.”
“This donation represents a huge kickstart to this campaign to restore Reverchon Park Ball Field,” said Principal Katherine Eska of North Dallas High School, by “making it possible for our students to have a ballpark that they’re proud of.”
Dallas Education Foundation executive director Mita Havlick agreed, “We are so grateful to Mr. Young, as participating in sports often saves kids’ lives, and we hope others in our community see this gift as an investment in our students. There is much more fundraising to do to make the restoration of the ball field a reality.”
“Growing up I wore number 10 on my back in honor of Michael Young. He was a selfless baseball player that played numerous positions, and he has exemplified himself just as selfless now off the field with this donation to the community,” said North Dallas High School Coach Steven De La Cerda. “I cannot thank you enough, Michael Young!”
In addition to Mr. Young’s gift, the Sealark Foundation has generously pledged $700,000 towards to restoration effort. To play your part in Dallas baseball history and the renovation of Reverchon Park please contact the Dallas Education Foundation at def@dallasisd.org or go to https://futureofdallas.org/donate.
Michael Young (@MikeyY626) is a Texas Rangers Hall of Fame former baseball player and founder of the Michael Young Family Foundation.
