Curtis Granderson will donate $5 million to new University of Illinois-Chicago baseball stadium

University of Illinois trustees got a lot more than they expected when Curtis Granderson attached his name to building a new baseball stadium at UI-Chicago back in February—about $5 million more.

The New York Yankees centerfielder— who had his jersey retired at his alma mater when he announced he would help build the new stadium is generously donating $5 million of the $7 million needed to complete the project in a plan approved by the university's trustees this week.

In return, the new open-air, brick and stone stadium which will seat 1,200 is attaching Granderson's  name to the front gate. It is going to be named Curtis Granderson Stadium in honor of the ballplayer.

To put Grandy's gesture into perspective, that's  one-third of the $15 million he'll make this season, part of a $32 million contract he signed in 2008. Granderson, who is currently on the disabled list after breaking a knuckle in his pinkie, will be a free agent after this year.

The stadium is expected to open in 2015. The plan calls for using the field for Flames games and events for Chicago Public Schools and youth organizations.

Way to give back, Grandy Man.