CHICAGO — Curtis Granderson, a three-time MLB All-Star and a beloved figure in the Chicago sports community, is set to celebrate two significant anniversaries this month. On Saturday, September 19, he will mark the 20th anniversary of the Curtis Granderson Foundation alongside the 10th anniversary of the Chicago Baseball and Education Academy (CBEA).
For Granderson, who has always emphasized the importance of education in conjunction with athletics, these milestones represent a culmination of his efforts to give back to the community. "Education was always going to be the most important thing, and just continuing to push and support that athletic side of things, but those two went hand-in-hand," Granderson stated. He reflects on how his academic achievements enabled him to pursue his passion for sports, saying, "My academics were taken care of, then I was rewarded and able to do what I wanted to do out of the classroom — on the field, on the court, or wherever it happened to be."
The CBEA, based at Granderson's alma mater, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), has had a profound impact over the past decade. It has served more than 25,000 young people from various neighborhoods throughout Chicago, offering free baseball and softball programs, on-field instruction, and mentorship. Granderson expressed his commitment to accessibility, stating, "I wanted to make sure everything was accessible. The fact that we have indoor and outdoor — and we offer it all up for free — there’s only a few facilities in the city that have both, and again, we’re the only one that does it for free."
To commemorate these achievements, a fundraiser banquet is scheduled for September 19 at Piccolo Sogno, located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. This event aims to raise funds to support the ongoing initiatives of the Curtis Granderson Foundation and the CBEA. More details about the banquet and how to contribute can be found on the foundation's official website.
Granderson's dedication to fostering young talent and providing opportunities for underprivileged youth in Chicago is a testament to his character both on and off the field. His work through the Curtis Granderson Foundation and the CBEA highlights the significant role that sports can play in education and community development.
As Granderson continues to celebrate these milestones, his legacy in the Chicago baseball community remains strong. His contributions not only enhance the lives of young athletes but also inspire future generations to pursue their dreams in both sports and academics.
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