Latrobe Little League players are fully equipped for this season’s games, thanks to some major league help.

League officials welcomed representatives of Pirates Charities to Latrobe’s Legion Keener Park ballfield Friday to unveil a new equipment storage building and additional improvements.

The work was made possible with the donation of more than $20,000 from the philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The league’s previous storage shed, and almost $4,000 worth of equipment inside, were destroyed in an early morning April 19 arson that is under investigation by city police.

The league has close to 180 players on its rosters. The fire occurred at a field used by the organization’s younger players, between 7 and 11, league President John Russo said.

“It broke my heart to think something like this could happen with the season about to begin,” Pirates Charities Chairman Bob Nutting said. “We are honored to work with the Latrobe community to help ensure these kids have a safe place to play and that the parents and community members need not stress about the lost equipment and building.”

The donation was made through the organization’s Fields for Kids program. In addition to replacing the storage unit, the grant helped the Little League restock the building with equipment that is used in games and in maintaining the complex.

Facility improvements include new benches, an updated infield surface and new bases and pitching mounds.

Russo has been overwhelmed by the strong response to the organization’s plight. Its insurance claim was supplemented by the Pirates Charities grant and donations from local businesses and individuals from Latrobe and beyond.

“One hundred and sixty people donated to the league, and almost 40% of them were from out of the area,” he said. “The money that was donated definitely helped us out this year.”

He noted last year’s fundraisers were canceled because of the covid-19 pandemic, while this season’s canceled activities already include a gun bash and a candy drive.

Those who still wish to help can send donations to Latrobe Little League, P.O. Box 202, Latrobe, Pa. 15650.

According to Latrobe police, an anonymous donor is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of whoever was involved in the arson.

Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to call the police department at 724-537-5526.

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