August 15, 2014

Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Park District to Host Second Watch Party for Jackie Robinson West Little League World Series Game on Sunday

Watch Party Will Again be Held at Jackie Robinson Park

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

After a successful watch party on Thursday that drew more than 600 residents, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District will host a watch party on Sunday for friends, families and neighbors of the Jackie Robinson West All Stars for their upcoming game against Mountain Ridge from Las Vegas, Nevada in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“Yesterday’s watch party was an incredible success; it was thrilling to cheer on Jackie Robinson West with hundreds of the team’s family, friends and supporters – as I’ve said before, the whole City of Chicago is behind this team, and we can’t wait to cheer them on again on Sunday,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We’re bringing the jumbotron back to Jackie Robinson Park to allow the community to come together again to watch the game on Sunday.”

The watch party will again be held at Jackie Robinson Park. The game will be shown live on ABC at 1 p.m. in the outdoor area of the park.

“The Chicago Park District congratulates Jackie Robinson West on their win against Washington,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent Michael Kelly. “We are proud of your athletic accomplishments but more importantly, that you are showing the nation, the true winning spirit that is born and bred in Chicago parks.”

The Chicago Park District serves as the home base for dozens of Little League Teams serving thousands of kids. In most cases, the Little League programs are community run but receive park facilities free of charge. In addition, the Chicago Park District Partners with the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox to ensure children in every neighborhood have the opportunity to play baseball. The Chicago Cubs and White Sox Inner City Youth Baseball program operates in 32 parks in 32 neighborhoods, and the Sox RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program operates in 16 parks.

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. They won their opening World Series game yesterday 12-2 against Lynwood, Washington.

Jackie Robinson Park is located at 10540 South Morgan Park Street. For optimal viewing, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers, but park rules apply and alcohol is not permitted.

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For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,100 acres of parkland, more than 580 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY or 312.747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312.742.PLAY.