chicago white sox youth baseball -...
TRANSCRIPT
Amateur City EliteKen Williams – White Sox Executive Vice President
“PICK UP A BALL OR A GLOVE, A BOOK, A PAINT BRUSH,A SCIENCE PROJECT, SOMETHING. PUT DOWN THE GUNS.”
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Amateur City Elitehe White Sox are committed to giving all
children the opportunity to enjoy the game
of baseball and a chance at a better life –
something that can be a challenge in the midst
of the violence that sometimes engulfs Chicago’s
South Side.
With this philosophy as a guiding light, Chicago
White Sox Charities continues to fund a number
of youth baseball programs to keep kids off the
streets and engaged in the classroom. These
programs support inner-city youth of all ages and
playing skills on and off the field from recreation
and intermediate levels to highly competitive
travel teams.
The organization’s commitment to youth baseball
began with the Inner City Youth Baseball League in
1993 and continues today with White Sox Reviving
Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) and the Amateur City
Elite (ACE) programs.
Since 1993 when the program started, nearly 13,000
youth in the city of Chicago have participated
in youth baseball programs funded by Chicago
White Sox Charities.
ACE PROGRAM
chicago white sox
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Jackie Robinson WestThe success of the Chicago White Sox Youth
Baseball Initiative is plain to see, but perhaps was
most visible during Summer 2014 when the Jackie
Robinson West (JRW) All-Stars captured the hearts
of the entire nation during their Little League World
Series run.
The Chicago White Sox are proud of the fact
that nine of the 13 members of the team are also
members of the 13-and-under (13u) White Sox
Amateur City Elite (ACE) team. These young men
wanted to play baseball and that summer, their
teamwork, strength and heart on the field are
incredible accomplishments that the young players
can cherish forever.
The team made the entire city of Chicago proud
on the field and showed poise off the field. Their
on-field accomplishments are a shining example of
the positive things that happen when players, their
families and communities band together to support
baseball as a positive force.
OF A CHAMPION
the heart
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Jackie Robinson WestTo find a real-world example of the true impact of
the ACE Program, you need to look no further than
the Houston Family.
All three of Jerry Houston’s sons, Jerry Jr., Jeremy
and Josh, have participated in the ACE program
and excelled on and off the field.
While Josh is perhaps the most well-known,
as a key member of the Jackie Robinson West
team and current member of the ACE 13u team,
all three Houston brothers have shined with the
support and guidance they have received from the
ACE program.
After starring in the ACE program, Jerry Jr. earned
a scholarship to play at the University of Oregon
and is now a key member of the baseball team at
the University of Missouri.
Jeremy Houston is currently a member of the ACE
17u team and is widely considered the best
shortstop in the Midwest. In November 2014,
he committed to a scholarship to play at
Indiana University.
A FAMILY AFFAIR HOUSTON FAMILY
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Amateur City EliteThe Chicago White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE)
program focuses on using baseball to pull Chicago
kids away from the dangers of inner-city life and
provides them with the skills to lead happy and
successful lives.
Each year, more than 100 teenagers ages 12 to
18 participate in the ACE program. While ACE
focuses on baseball, the sport is only a tool for
propelling these kids toward a better future. After
being divided among five age-specific youth
travel teams, the players participate in a variety of
activities both on and off the field.
ACE focuses on athletics, academics and
mentoring, but it also helps develop well-
rounded community members who learn life skills
such as service to others, time management,
prioritization and dedication that will last
throughout their lifetimes.
amateur city elite
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Amateur City EliteACE PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
2014 May Players of the Month 2014 August Players of the Month
Each month, an ACE “Player of the Month” award is given
to athletes who thrive on the field, in the community and in
the classroom.
Players who receive this special recognition are given tickets
to a White Sox game and are honored on the field during a
special pre-game ceremony.
2014 Mlb DraftON THE NEXT LEVEL
ACE: COLLEGE SIGNEES - COREY RAYplaying baseball
Since the ACE program was first established in
2007, there have been 14 players drafted by Major
League teams.
This is an impressive statistic given the program
is less than 10 years old. While it represents the
recognition that Major League talent can be
found in the inner city, it also provides a real-
world example to all ACE program participants
that dreams can come true with the proper mix of
talent, hard work and mentoring.
Corey Ray was a member of the first ACE 13u team
and graduated from Simeon Career Academy.
The ACE program helped him earn a Division I
scholarship from the University of Louisville,
where he is currently a starting outfielder. Corey
attributes his success to his work ethic on the
field and in the classroom that the ACE program
instilled in him.
2014 Mlb Draft
Ronell Coleman and Vanderbilt celebrate during the 2014 College World Series.
Ronell Coleman is a former ACE program participant who
attended Simeon Career Academy. The ACE program helped him
earn a Division I scholarship from Vanderbilt University. During
his freshman year at this prestigious institution, Ronell started
in the outfield on the team that won the 2014 College World
Series. Equally as important, Ronell excelled in the classroom.
During the 2014 College World Series, the success of the ACE
program was on full display when Coleman’s Vanderbilt team
faced Ray’s Louisville squad.
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BASEBALL SPOTLIGHTRONELL COLEMAN
Photo © Getty Images
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Darius Day-All AmericanON THE NEXT LEVEL
playing baseball
Darius Day joined the ACE program at the age of 13
and was a member of the very first ACE 13u team.
Throughout his teenage years, he continued to
take full advantage of the ACE program while he
attended Simeon Career Academy.
The ACE program helped Darius develop a strong
work ethic and focus that improved his skills each
year, stay engaged in the classroom, and stay out
of trouble on the streets.
As a high school senior in 2013, Darius was regarded
as one of the best players in the country and was
both an AFLAC Perfect Game All-American and an
Under Armour All-American.
In June 2014, Darius was drafted in the 23rd
round of the MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers.
Shortly thereafter, he signed a contract to pursue
his dual dream of playing professional baseball
and utilizing his baseball talent to help support
his family financially.
ACE: DRAFTEE DARIUS DAY
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Darius Day-All AmericanMatthew Cole, from Rich Central High School, committed to Alcorn State
Ronell Coleman, from Simeon Career Academy, committed to Vanderbilt
Elbert Dunnigan, from Simeon Career Academy, committed to Alcorn State
Robert Fletcher, from Simeon Career Academy, committed to Alcorn State
Jerry Houston, from Mount Carmel High School, committed to Oregon
Sanford Hunt, from Kenwood Academy, committed to Chicago State
Regynold Johnson, from Marian Catholic High School, committed to Missouri
Tyler Johnson, from Harlan Career Academy, committed to Texas Southern
Marcellus Sneed, from Morgan Park High School, committed to Alcorn State
Corey Ray, from Simeon Career Academy, committed to Louisville
Terrell Stewart, from Harlan Career Academy, committed to Chicago State
Marshawn Taylor, from Simeon Career Academy, committed to Eastern Illinois
Christian Bland, from Harlan, committed to Purdue University North Central
David Calderon, from Lincoln Way North, committed to Morehead State
James Davison, from Morgan Park, committed to Howard Junior College
Darius Day, from Simeon Career Academy, committed to Arizona
Diontrell Earls, from Simeon, committed to Purdue University North Central
Angel Figueroa, from Bishop Knoll Institute, committed to Black Hawk College
Justin Freeman, from Rich Central High School, committed to Southern
Kevin Jones, from Portage High School, committed to Northern Illinois
Anthony Justiniano, from Clemente High School, committed to Wabash Valley College
Adam Kelly, from Kenwood Academy, committed to Illinois Central College
Jamal Martin, from Morgan Park, committed to Alcorn State
Lavar Reed, from Morgan Park, committed to Hill Junior College
Rahman Williams, from Mount. Verde Academy, committed to Michigan
Jalin McMillan, from Simeon Career Academy, committed to Illinois
Jamary McKinney, from Simeon Career Academy, committed to Chicago State
Torriun Towers, from Harlan Academy, committed to Claflin University
Jackson Edwards, from Hope Academy, committed to Judson
Nelson Munoz, from Mount. Carmel, committed to Grambling State
Lavezz Middleton, from Marian Catholic, committed to Bucknell
2013-15 COLLEGIATE SIGNEES
James Davison, 2014 – 39th Round – Chicago White Sox
Anthony Justiniano, 2014 – 38th Round – Chicago White Sox
Darius Day, 2014 – 23rd Round – Texas Rangers
Ronell Coleman, 2013 – 40th Round – Chicago White Sox
Corey Ray, 2013 – 33rd Round – Seattle Mariners
Marshawn Taylor, 2013 – 35th Round – Seattle Mariners
DeJohn Suber, 2012 – 38th Round – Chicago Cubs
Blake Hickman, 2012 – 20th Round – Chicago Cubs
Jonathan Clark, 2011 – 17th Round – New York Mets
Dontrell Rush, 2011 – 48th Round – Chicago White Sox
Kendall Radcliffe, 2010 – 25th Round – Texas Rangers
Ronzelle Forte, 2010 – 46th Round – Chicago White Sox
Troy White, 2008 – 28th Round – Cleveland Indians
Steve Florence, 2008 – 50th Round – Chicago White Sox
MLB DRAFTEES
90 46NATIONAL
SCHOLARSHIPS OVER FIVE YEARS PLAYERS AT THE DIVISION 1 LEVEL PLAYERS DRAFTED BY PROFESSIONAL TEAMS
14
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Double Duty ClassicEach summer, the White Sox organization hosts
the Double Duty Classic, an annual All-Star game
that honors Negro Leaguer Ted “Double Duty”
Radcliffe. This showcase event features members
of the ACE program and other elite inner-city high
school players from across the country.
The Double Duty Classic celebrates the history
and tradition of Negro League Baseball in
Chicago and recreates as well as honors the old
Negro League East-West All-Star Game. It also
includes a special forum, attended by former
Negro Leaguers, Major Leaguers and media
luminaries to educate participating players on
the rich history and impact the African-American
community has had on the game of baseball and
the importance of education.
While the number of ACE/Double Duty Classic
participants that have been drafted or have
received college scholarships is impressive, the
White Sox are also proud of how the program has
allowed others to excel off the field and pursue
their passions.
double duty classic
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Double Duty Classic
Chuckie @ Alcorn Troy @ NIU
PREPARING PARTICIPANTS FOR SUCCESS OFF THE FIELDTwo former ACE players, Troy White and Charles “Chuckie”
Aldridge , are terrific examples of the off-field opportunities
the ACE program can bring participants.
Troy was a member of the first ACE high school team and is
an alumnus of Whitney Young Magnet School. He graduated
from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in
Marketing. Troy currently works in the sales department at
the Chicago White Sox as a Client Services Executive.
Chuckie was highlighted by the Chicago White Sox when he
agreed to sign a scholarship to play baseball at Grambling
State University and is an alumnus of Simeon Career
Academy. A college graduate of Alcorn State University
with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Chuckie worked
as an intern for the Youth Baseball Initiatives for the Chicago
White Sox in 2014.
Photo © Doug Timmermann
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Jackie Robinson DayIn 2014, the White Sox, along with the rest of
Major League Baseball, commemorated the 67th
anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s breaking the
color barrier in baseball. To honor Robinson,
every player in action on April 15 wore a No. 42
jersey and many organizations hosted special
events to mark the important milestone.
With the team on the road on April 15 in 2014,
the White Sox organization conducted a special
on-field celebration on April 16, by wearing No.
42 jerseys. The White Sox invited members of
the ACE program to take the field with the team,
giving each member a No. 42 White Sox jersey
and an autographed ball.
Additionally, the organization hosted a special
panel discussion, entitled “Jackie Robinson:
A Catalyst for Change in American Society.”
White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, White Sox
Executive Vice President Ken Williams, Illinois
Governor Pat Quinn and Dr. Carol Adams shared
their perspectives on Robinson as a change
agent in baseball and society. The audience in the
Conference and Learning Center at U.S. Cellular
Field was filled with student-athletes from Chicago
area high schools.
jackie robinson day
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Jackie Robinson DayYouth from Chicago White Sox Charities-sponsored Inner City Youth
Baseball programs take the field with the White Sox prior to select
games at U.S. Cellular Field.
Participating youth, selected from our Inner City Youth Baseball program,
receive game tickets, White Sox jerseys and caps and a signed baseball
from a Sox player.
KIDS TAKE THE FIELD
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
Reviving Baseball in Inner CitiesThe Chicago White Sox RBI program, in affiliation
with Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball
in Inner Cities (RBI) and the Chicago Park
District, is a youth outreach program intended to
motivate children in and out of the classroom with
fundamentals learned through baseball.
Youth in the 13-18 age groups of all skill levels have
the chance to be in a free and safe environment
where they are taught baseball and learn lessons
such as teamwork along the way. The program is
meant to increase knowledge and participation in
both baseball and softball.
Since first affiliating with the RBI program in 2008,
the White Sox RBI program has grown to feature
360 youth playing on 24 teams. The program
has already experienced success on the national
level with the junior-division All-Stars (13-15 years
of age) being named champions of the 2009,
2010, 2011 and 2012 RBI Central Regionals. The
juniors were also national runner-up during the
2012 season. The senior-division All-Stars (16-18
years of age) were named champions of the 2012
and 2013 RBI Central Regional.
chicago white sox rbi
Reviving Baseball in Inner CitiesThe mission of the Inner City Youth Baseball (ICYB) program
is to provide free, safe, structured recreational baseball
programming during the summer months to inner-city
youth ages 9-12 who may not have the financial resources
and support to play baseball.
The league reaches youth living in underserved communities,
including all of the Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA)
major family housing developments and the CHA’s
scattered-site housing.
The program also serves as the feeder program into
the White Sox RBI program and gives participants the
opportunity to interact with positive role models and to
experience teamwork and cooperation through the game
of baseball.
INNER CITY YOUTH BASEBALL
2013 RBI Senior Baseball Central Regional Champions 2014 ICYB Instructional Camp
2015 CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALL | GROWING THE GAME IN THE INNER CITY
White Sox Play ClinicPromoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth
(PLAY) is a campaign of the Professional Baseball
Athletic Trainers (PBATS) in conjunction with the
Taylor Hooten Foundation. The PLAY Campaign
is designed to promote healthy and active living
among America’s youth.
Each baseball season, the PLAY campaign travels
to all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks and
teaches these important messages to thousands
of children.
In 2014, members of the ACE program participated
in PLAY hosted by the White Sox at U.S. Cellular
Field. At the clinic, White Sox head trainer Herm
Schneider, assistant athletic trainer Brian Ball,
director of conditioning Allen Thomas and White
Sox pitcher Nate Jones delivered important
messages about the proper ways to
approach weight training, conditioning
and taking care of your body to ensure a
long and healthy career.
white sox play clinic
White Sox Play ClinicJames Davison – 2014 | 39TH Round Draftee | Chicago White Sox
“IF IT WASN’T FOR THE WHITE SOX, I WOULD NOT BE THE PERSON OR BALLPLAYER THAT I AM
TODAY. THEY BASICALLY CREATED ME BY SHOWING ME THE WAY. THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD
BE WHO I WANTED TO BE, THAT I COULD HAVE A DREAM AND MAKE IT HAPPEN. THEY TAUGHT
ME ABOUT WORK ETHIC AND PUT ME IN PLACES WHERE I HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO SUCCEED.”
17u 3rd place at 2013 Perfect Game WWBA Kernels Tournament, Cedar Rapids, IA