Unrivaled Sports acquired Diamond Nation, a baseball and softball facility in Flemington, NJ. The expansion follows Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and The Chernin Group’s recent launch of the company, which oversees seven baseball and softball facilities through Ripken Baseball, Cooperstown All-Star Village and Sports Force Parks.
Over 3,000 teams and 45,000 participants play at Diamond Nation annually, adding to the reach of Ripken’s efforts to encourage youth development and fun through baseball and softball camps, tournaments and instruction. Across all Unrivaled Sports properties, the company “expects to welcome over 600,000 athletes and 1.3 million attendees annually through its 14 owned and operated properties.”
“With the addition of Diamond Nation, we are enhancing our commitment to youth baseball and softball, building on the legacies of the Ripken Experiences and Cooperstown All-Star Village,” said Wade Martin, CEO of Unrivaled Sports’ baseball division. “Diamond Nation will play a major role in advancing our vision of shaping young athletes through elite training, operational excellence and memorable experiences.”
Founded by Jack Cust, Sr., Diamond Nation is known for its facilities and dedication to baseball and softball excellence since 2009. MLB players who previously played or trained at the facility include Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees, Anthony DeSclafani of the Minnesota Twins, Mike Ford of the Cincinnati Reds organization, and retired major leaguers Rick Porcello and Anthony Ranaudo.
“This partnership is a continuation of our family’s vision for Diamond Nation,” said Jack Cust, Sr. “Our players and families will benefit tremendously from the additional resources available through a national effort to enhance the youth sports landscape.”
Diamond Nation features five 90-foot diamonds, two youth fields and an indoor training facility and attracts teams from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
In addition to tournament programming, Diamond Nation operates its own club team, the Diamond Jacks, and player development training programs at the venue. In addition to founding the complex with his father, former Oakland Athletics Outfielder Jack Cust, III and his two brothers have helped guide the facility’s operations and growth. The Cust family will continue to play a vital role in its operations.
Image courtesy Diamond Nation
