Crocker Amazon Ballfields Approved to Be Named Willie Mays Fields of Champions

[Joelle Kenealey]

FYI 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission on Thursday approved naming the Crocker Amazon Baseball and Softball Complex the Willie Mays Fields of Champions, honoring the legendary Giant and his enduring legacy of inspiring youth through sport.

The approved name would take effect as part of a proposed renovation of the western half of Crocker Amazon Playground, a long-anticipated project that would transform the park’s baseball and softball fields into a state-of-the-art recreation hub for San Francisco families. The project remains subject to further review, community input and approvals. If approved, the project could break ground as early as 2027 and open in 2028.

The proposed renovation is powered by the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond and a partnership with the San Francisco Giants, who would contribute approximately $28 million in cash and in-kind support to the $50 million project. Improvements would address longstanding field closures due to weather and maintenance, while expanding access to safe, high-quality play space by up to 10,000 additional hours each year.

In addition to approving the naming of the complex at Crocker Amazon Playground, Rec and Park Commissioners recommended that the Board of Supervisors accept the grant from the Giants. If the Board accepts the grant and the project moves forward, the Giants will designate the fields in honor of Willie Mays. Mays’ Say Hey Foundation donated a $5 million lead gift that would help make the project possible. The Say Hey Foundation creates opportunities for youth in underserved communities through coaching, mentorship, and increased access to sports.

“Willie Mays understood that time on the field can change a child’s life. With the partnership of the San Francisco Giants and the Say Hey Foundation, our plan is to expand access to high-quality fields so more kids across San Francisco have that same opportunity to play, grow, and dream big,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Interim General Manager Sarah Madland.

“The Giants and the Giants Community Fund are extremely grateful to receive unanimous approval from the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission to name this transformational project for Willie Mays. We are continuing to work with the community to receive their input on the overall project and are confident that we will arrive at an inspired and thoughtful plan that integrates the needs of the neighborhood and park users while providing kids with the ultimate playing experience for baseball and softball,” said Jack Bair, Chief Development Officer, San Francisco Giants.     

The Willie Mays Fields of Champions would provide year-round play, support free youth programs like Junior Giants, and create a vibrant community destination. The park, which includes a skate park, lighted soccer fields, children’s play areas and sport courts in its eastern half, would retain the name Crocker Amazon Playground.

The proposed project is still in the iterative design process and has evolved in response to community feedback. Community members are invited to attend one of two April 26 community workshop sessions to review and discuss the concept design. Project managers will be on hand to discuss components of the project and answer questions. Spanish and Chinese interpreters will be provided. 

RSVP here 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe82Sk6OIMFVnY5rVa5GQwPr8NAZKTQ6zo1CZrBuAlAnmJaZg/viewform

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Joelle Kenealey
President
Outer Mission Merchants and Residents Association