International Women’s Baseball Center Gets Donation from Mets’ Owner

The International Women’s Baseball Center in Rockford, Illinois, has received a $2 million grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, led by Alex Cohen, and a $350,000 grant from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets.

In recognition of the donation, the park surrounding historic Beyer Stadium — including the Women’s Baseball Gallery outdoor exhibit and picnic area — will be named Maybelle Blair Park in honor of baseball icon and IWBC founding director emeritus Maybelle Blair.

“Maybelle Blair is a baseball trailblazer and truly in a league of her own,” said Alex Cohen, president of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “In her honor, we are proud to support the International Women’s Baseball Center as they inspire the next generation of players and preserve the legacy of women in baseball.”

Blair, a pitcher, played in 1948 for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that was made famous by the movie “A League of Their Own” and later played in the National Women’s Softball League. Blair was honored with the inaugural Amazin’ Mets Foundation Legacy Award in 2023. In addition, new bleacher seating will be named the Cohen Bleachers and the press box will be named after the Amazin’ Mets Foundation.

With these commitments, IWBC has secured funding to expedite Phase One construction of Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park, including an indoor center for sports and recreation that will support community activities and national and international tournaments, and a museum focused on women’s baseball.

Maybelle Blair Park, the green space north of the stadium, will feature the Women’s Baseball Gallery, an outdoor exhibit consisting of commemorative pylons honoring women’s baseball’s most significant achievements.

Phase One is scheduled to be completed in 2026, as work has been accelerated by two other financial commitments and one global event announcement — $1.5 million from the City of Rockford, $400,000 from Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman and the IWBC being selected to host the World Baseball Softball Confederation Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage 2026.

“We are deeply thankful to Alex Cohen and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and Amazin’ Mets Foundation for their generous donations,” said Dr. Kat Williams, IWBC’s chief executive officer. “Their support will make a profound and lasting impact at Beyer Stadium, Maybelle Blair Park, and throughout the Rockford community, region, nation and world. We truly appreciate their commitment to the IWBC and the future of women’s baseball, and continue our fundraising efforts to complete the entire six-acre campus and Center. We look forward to bringing the world to Rockford, Illinois.”