Cubs help transform Little Village baseball field

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A garbage-littered field in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood was transformed into a baseball field fit for the majors thanks to a $70,000 investment by the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Park District.

Player Isabella Demateo said that playing second base at Piotrowski Park used to be dangerous.

"There would be glass bottles on the floor, trash everywhere. Now people respect it," Demateo said.

On Saturday, Little Village Little Leaguers kicked off their season on the newly minted field, which was revamped with a new dugout and stands for parents and fans to cheer on their miniature Cubbies.

"It gives a great space to keep kids safe and play ball," said Matt Demateo, president of the Little Village Little League.

The Cubs Diamond Project has awarded nearly $1.8 million to support 28 youth leagues across Chicago. Organizers said the Piotrowski Park project was extra close to their heart.

"This community is one of the most special in the city of Chicago - I think - because of the level of investment from neighborhood organizations parents and children," said Keri Blackwell, assistant director of community affairs for Cubs Charities.