Arkansas Business

Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter, a Pine Bluff native, has pledged $100,000 to help with the construction of an indoor baseball/track practice facility at the University of Arkansas.

Arkansas is expected to break ground on the 40,000 square foot project this year. Estimated cost is $7.75-9.6 million and it will take about eight months to complete.

Hunter, one of the highest paid athletes from the state of Arkansas, never played college baseball, but signed with Arkansas out of Pine Bluff high school. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1993 and has played 16 seasons in the major leagues.

Razorback Foundation associate director Norm DeBryin first told an audience at a baseball booster club luncheon about the donation. 

"I think that speaks volumes for a guy who signed with us but never played for the Razorbacks," DeBryin said. "... On behalf of Jeff Long, the athletic department and the Razorback Foundation, we appreciate Torii very much."

Detroit signed Hunter in November to a two-year deal worth $26 million.