New York teams with MLB, A-Rod to build baseball academy in the Bronx

NEW YORK -- New York state is teaming up with Major League Baseball and others including Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez to create a youth baseball and softball academy in the Bronx.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the $11.25 million initiative Wednesday.

He says the academy at Roberto Clemente State Park will immediately begin serving 1,500 young ballplayers.

The facility will be funded by $6.5 million from the state, $4 million from Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association and $750,000 from Rodriguez.

The new field will be named Alex Rodriguez Field.

Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. says the academy will establish the next generation of New York's baseball legacy.

Rodriguez says the park will give kids a chance to "dream big from the field as well as in the stands."