By Mike Fossano

Comerica Bank is offering two $10,000 grants to help local schools and the community by cultivating baseball and softball teams in southeast Michigan.

The grants – one in metro Detroit and one in the Central/Western Michigan region – are a part of the Grand Slam Program, which sets out to create, expand or improve area high school baseball or softball programs.

“As many school districts continue to face budget cuts, the Grand Slam Grant helps ensure our future all-stars have the resources they need to experience the game of baseball,” said Thomas D. Ogden, president, Comerica Bank-Michigan. “After 162 years in Michigan, Comerica remains committed to supporting its hometown teams.”

Applications will be reviewed for a variety of criteria including overall need, creativity and school and community impact. The grant recipient will be selected by the Comerica Bank Grand Slam Grant Selection Committee, consisting of representatives from Comerica Bank and Detroit Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch.

Grant recipients will be recognized on the field during the Detroit Tigers’ 2012 opening weekend game on April 7 vs. the Boston Red Sox. Each winning school will also receive 60 tickets to the opening weekend game.

The funds can be used for field improvements, equipment, training camps, or other baseball or softball-related expenses.

Last year the Grand Slam Grant Program awarded a $10,000 grant to Renaissance High School in Detroit.  The school used the funds for equipment, a new scoreboard and a travel showcase youth clinic.

Eligible schools can complete the grant application online at www.comerica.com/grandslamgrant. Once complete, the application, along with supporting materials such as photos or videos must be submitted via email to grandslamgrant@comerica.com by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.