The mission of all Heroes programs is to reach as many at-risk inner city kids as possible with as many constructive opportunities as possible.

"As much as Little Heroes is about teaching baseball and having fun, probably more important will be the life lessons that are learned on and off the field -- character development, teamwork, discipline and the importance of education," said Todd Wagner.

The public-private partnership has been warmly received by the community. Park Department officials, facing shrinking budgets and increased needs, say innovative partnerships such as this are key to its success. Local residents rejoice that the park provides a safe haven and positive environment for neighborhood youth.

Provide inner city youth with opportunities to participate in and learn the finer points of team sports, and to participate in educational programs that give them hope for a much brighter future.