August 12, 2014

Mayor Emanuel and the Chicago White Sox Announce Watch Party for the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars’ Upcoming Little League World Series Game

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the City of Chicago and the Chicago White Sox will host a watch party on Thursday for friends, families and neighbors of the Jackie Robinson West All Stars as part of their upcoming game against Lynwood Pacific as part of the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The festivities will be held at Jackie Robinson Park at 1:30 p.m. with Southpaw, the official mascot of the White Sox, and former White Sox players kicking off the festivities. The game will be shown live on ESPN at 2 p.m. in the outdoor area of the park.

“The Jackie Robinson West All-Stars have excited an entire city with their dedication and athleticism, and everyone should have the chance to see a Chicago team play in the Little League World Series for the first time since 1983,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Chicago could not be more proud to have these young men and their coaches represent our city, and as they take the field on Thursday, we want them to know an entire city will be behind them cheering them on.”

The Chicago White Sox organization have held a longtime commitment to youth baseball in Chicago, beginning with the Inner City Youth Baseball League in 1993 and continuing today with White Sox Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) and the Amateur City Elite (ACE) programs.

“This watch party is a great way for the neighborhood and the City of Chicago to celebrate the accomplishments of this talented group of young men from the Jackie Robinson West Little League” said Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the Chicago White Sox. “We all are very proud of their accomplishments, and we are honored to co-host the event with Mayor Emanuel. Six players on the Jackie Robinson West team also play for the White Sox ACE program, so we are doubly proud of their tremendous accomplishments. These kids already are champions in our eyes before a single pitch is thrown in Williamsport.”

Six players on the Jackie Robinson West team are a part of the White Sox ACE program, a program whose mission is to not only to develop high caliber inner-city baseball players who are athletically and academically prepared for collegiate baseball, but even more importantly, develop and prepare players to succeed in life after baseball.

The Jackie Robinson West All Stars -- comprised of 11- and 12-year-olds from South and Southwest side communities such as Auburn Gresham, Englewood, Chatham, Morgan Park and Washington Heights -- advanced to the Little League World Series with a come-from-behind win over New Albany, Indiana.

Jackie Robinson Park is located at 10540 South Morgan Park Street. For optimal viewing, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.


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