Baseball Heaven Long Island Complex to Expand With a New State-Of-The-Art Indoor Facility

BBH’s near-12,000-foot building aimed at attracting players and teams year-round; former major leaguer Frank Catalanotto to be head instructor

YAPHANK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Baseball Heaven Long Island (BBH), one of the country’s premier baseball and softball centers, today announced it is building a nearly 12,000-square-foot, $1.6 million indoor facility on its site here. BBH also said it has teamed with former Major League Baseball player Frank Catalanotto, who will be its year-round head instructor.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this great complex, and I look forward to working with players of all ages as they continue to develop their skills”

Construction of the building on BBH’s 27-acre site here has recently begun, and is slated to be completed by mid-June. BBH is a portfolio company of Steel Sports Inc., a subsidiary of Steel Excel Inc. (SXCL: OTC).

Among the features of the new column-free facility are tunnel space for four batting cages, two infield areas, a 28-foot high ceiling, video capability, a concession stand and pro shop.

“As we continue to position ourselves as a prime destination for baseball and softball players, the new building will enable us to provide a place for events and training for the entire year,” said Frank Zitaglio, general manager of BBH, a subsidiary of Steel Sports Inc. “Further, the addition of a former player of Frank Catalanotto’s caliber will serve to solidify Baseball Heaven as the leading facility of its kind in the region.”

Catalanotto will provide individual and group instruction to baseball players and teams. He enjoyed a 14-year MLB career with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets, compiling a .291 lifetime average in 1,265 games.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this great complex, and I look forward to working with players of all ages as they continue to develop their skills,” said Catalanotto, a native of Long Island, N.Y.

The new building is part of an overall upgrade BBH is planning in the coming year, including the construction of two new concession stands, the creation of extra parking, live online video streaming of all games and the development and implementation of a variety of sports instruction and development programs.

Zitaglio said both the construction of the new building and other renovations to the complex will create new jobs within the community and underscores BBH’s commitment to Long Island, a large portion of which was ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.

“We are extremely thankful to our community leaders and the Town of Brookhaven Planning Board for approving this excellent addition to our complex,” Zitaglio added. “We want to make sure that every current and potential player and team fully understands that we’re here for the long term. And through Baseball Heaven, we aim to continue to foster the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and integrity – all of the good things that baseball and softball are about.”

Zitaglio also added that BBH will be donating its facilities to local little league organizations for six consecutive Monday nights, beginning this April.

About Baseball Heaven Long Island:

Baseball Heaven Long Island (BBH) is a 27-acre modern baseball and softball facility with four full-sized and three youth league-sized fields built for children and adults to experience playing on professional quality fields against top competition from the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.

BBH’s sport complex is equipped with all the amenities of a professional ballpark, including below grade dugouts, connecting bullpens, warning tracks, public-address system, state-of-the-art artificial turf and electronic scoreboards. Baseball Heaven also accommodates its spectators with ballpark seating, concessions and a picnic area. Baseball Heaven hosts tournaments, leagues, camps, clinics and other events from mid-March until early November. Website: www.baseballheavenli.com

About Steel Sports:

Founded in 2011, Steel Sports Inc., a subsidiary of Steel Excel Inc. (SXCL: OTC), is dedicated to acquiring, building, and strengthening a network of branded participatory and experience-based businesses engaged in sports, training, education, entertainment and consumer lifestyle.

The firm seeks to invest in long-term strategic partnerships in the sports, education and entertainment sectors. Through our partnerships we look to provide capital resources, as well as infrastructure and financial support, while working with management teams to enhance best practices and identify and explore growth opportunities. Website: www.steel-sports.com