Jake Owen to Be Namesake of Florida Baseball Field
"This sports complex is going to literally change children's lives and provide such a positive impact on our community of Vero Beach," Owen said.
Jake Owen has always been a huge fan of sports. The Florida native grew up playing golf, even attending Florida State University to play the popular sport. While he may not have ended up being the professional sports star like he dreamed, he did make out pretty well in the world of country music, having racked in several chart-topping songs throughout his career.
His love for sports, however, was cemented in stone (almost literally) as his friend, NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, revealed that a Youth Development Park would open in Owen’s honor in the singer’s hometown of Vero Beach, FL. Harvick revealed the surprise during The Kevin Harvick Foundation’s 6th Annual Dinner, Auction and Concert, presented by Jimmy John’s. Owen was on hand to perform for his longtime friend’s benefit, but had no idea what was coming. During the evening’s festivities, the NASCAR star shared the news that Jake Owen Field would open to the public in the summer of 2017.
“This sports complex is going to literally change children’s lives and provide such a positive impact on our community of Vero Beach,” Owen said (quote via Kevin Harvick Foundation). “I’m so proud to call Kevin Harvick a friend, and forever grateful for his continued generosity towards our foundation and many others.”
“What an incredible evening we had last night with our partners and friends,” added Harvick. “The efforts of the Kevin Harvick Foundation wouldn’t have been possible this year without the commitment of each person in the room, and DeLana and I are incredibly thankful for the continued support. It also was a privilege to honor Mark Butler, Jimmy John Liautaud and Jake Owen, three men who have played pivotal roles in the success of the foundation over the years.”
The Kevin Harvick Foundation and its partner, The Cal Ripken, Sr., Foundation, have a mission to help build character and teach life lessons to disadvantaged youth who reside in America’s most distressed communities. They hope to teach these lessons through sports, like baseball and softball.
