Cooperative efforts between the City of Gary, U. S. Steel Foundation, and the Gary SouthShore RailCats have resulted in the creation of the Home Field Advantage Foundation.

Home Field Advantage Foundation Mission Statement: "The mission of the Home Field Advantage Foundation is to enhance the growth of youth baseball and softball within the City of Gary by funding programs, fields, and equipment needs.  The foundation is dedicated to being an active force in the advancement of social and educational opportunities for the youth of Gary , Indiana and the development of self-esteem, teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect for others through participation in youth baseball and softball.  The foundation also seeks to provide positive role models to the community youth by increasing their interaction with the Gary SouthShore RailCats’ players and others affiliated with the Foundation."  

FUNDING: Funding from the Home Field Advantage Foundation will be used to renovate ballparks, purchase necessary baseball and softball equipment, and to meet other administrative expenses to allow existing leagues to continue and/or new leagues to form.  A minimum of $875,000 in cash will be awarded over the 10-year program.  Additionally, the program will provide over $500,000 in “in-kind” contributions including program management services, RailCats player clinics and team-sponsored events at U. S. Steel Yard.   

GOALS: The Home Field Advantage Foundation goals are to increase participation in youth baseball and softball, therefore benefiting youth in many ways including promotion of traditional values of teamwork and sportsmanship, encouragement of fitness, expansion of social skills, and creation of a positive atmosphere.  The Foundation will also assist in scheduling various activities as well as clinics and other forms of direct involvement with RailCats players and staff.  

PROGRESS REPORT: In 2007, U. S. Steel will made its fourth consecutive $100,000 grant to the foundation as part of the company’s naming rights agreement of the home of the RailCats, U. S. Steel Yard. In 2006, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana became a partner to the Foundation, providing administrative assistance. The participation of the Boys & Girls Club led to success as the number of participating Gary youth in baseball and softball ages 5-16 increased substantially to over 500 while the Gary Youth Baseball 11-12 year old all-star team won its district championship and progressed to the state tournament for the first time in more than 20 years. The long term goal continues toward construction of a Youth Sports Complex in Gary to include playing fields for baseball, softball, football, and soccer.

LEADERSHIP: Edward Charbonneau, Executive Director of the Local Government Academy at Indiana University Northwest, serves as President of the Home Field Advantage Foundation. Mr. Charbonneau previously served as an employee of U. S. Steel in Gary for 36 years, primarily in the area of government and community relations. Contact Ed Charbonneau

"I am honored to be part of the Home Field Advantage Foundation,"said Charbonneau.  “I look forward to helping provide opportunities for positive and rewarding sports experiences for the youth of Gary . The vision demonstrated by the City of Gary, U. S. Steel Corporation and the Gary SouthShore RailCats in creating this partnership extends far beyond our athletic fields and will have a positive affect on the overall quality of life in our community long into the future."