What is the best way to grow the game of baseball for young Black kids in America? We have to give them opportunities to learn the game. We have to give them opportunities to play the game. We have to give them opportunities to love the game. And these opportunities have to be accessible and affordable.
That is why I get excited when I hear that over 175 kids (and countless volunteers) braved the Chi-town cold – in January – to congregate at the Pullman Community Center for the 6th Annual Grow the Game Camp. The camp was hosted by Black Baseball Media and Rise 2 Greatness, with additional support from Rawlings and the Chicago Baseball and Education Academy (CBEA).
Coach Earnest Horton (Coach E) is about that baseball life. His commitment and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in baseball is unwavering. He was recently named 2023 Media Person of the Year by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association. The Black Baseball Media founder pulled together baseball and softball players from all over the Southside of Chicago to attend the MLK Day camp.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and former MLB All-Star Curtis Granderson were in the building to address the ballers. DJ Vdub from WGCI radio provided the live soundtrack. The camp was a great way to learn the game of baseball and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Photos by Andre Warren; provided by Black Baseball Matters
Photos by Andre Warren; provided by Black Baseball Matters
