chicago white sox youth baseball -...

CHICAGO WHITE SOX YOUTH BASEBALLCHANGING LIVES ON AND OFF THE FIELD

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

chicago white sox youth baseball -...

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