OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
September 10, 2014
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Alderman Austin, a congratulatory resolution concerning the Jackie Robinson West Little League Baseball Team.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
SEPTEMBER 10. 2014
on
reso
lution
adopted by like Qity Qouncil
a/the Qity of Qhicago, Illinois
ALDERMAN CARRIE M. AUSTIN
IQresented by MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL
yOhWB&S . On Saturday, August 23, 2014, the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars Little League team ("Jackie Robinson West"), an all African-American baseball team from Chicago's Far South Side, won the title game in the United States Little League World Series Championship, and the hearts of the entire City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Jackie Robinson West's August 21, 2014 victory over Philadelphia sent the Great Lakes Region champions into the U.S. title game on Saturday, August 24, 2014 against Las Vegas in Williamsport, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, The type of team that reminds Americans why baseball is our much-loved national pastime, Jackie Robinson West ("JRW") was behind by three runs early in the game, only to come back in the second inning, when JRW players Trey Hondras, Marquis Jackson and Darion Radcliff got big hits. Las Vegas came back in the fifth inning, with a score of 5-4, until JRW's Joshua Howard tied the game with a single, and Brandon Green gave JRW the lead, one which it would not give up, with a ground ball out. A sweet 1-6-3 double play ended the game, earning Jackie Robinson West the U.S. championship and a spot in the world championship game against South Korea; and
WHEREAS, The young men of Jackie Robinson West, who range in age from 11 to 13, proved time and time again that anything is possible with dedication, hard work and community support; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the 2014 little league season, Jackie Robinson West refused to give up. This hard-fighting, extraordinarily talented group of athletes believed in each other and in their coaches. Despite their young age, the team won and lost its games with dignity, and acted with true sportsmenship. As such, Jackie Robinson West set an example for others to follow and created a special place for themselves in the annals of Little League baseball history; and
WHEREAS, Jackie Robinson West's victory in the U.S. title game was a team victory in the broadest sense of the term. The magical ride that led Jackie Robinson West to the cusp of winning the Little League World Series would not have been possible without the time, encouragement and constant support provided by the team's coaches and loyal volunteers, family members and friends, and well-wishers within the community; and
WHEREAS, The excitement generated by the Jackie Robinson West little league baseball team was palpable. An estimated 475,000 Chicago households tuned in by television to watch the team claim the mantle of 2014 U.S. Little League champions, and more than 10,000 people attended the team's homecoming parade and rally at Millennium Park. The City even put on a fireworks display in the team's honor; and
WHEREAS, All of Chicago is proud of Jackie Robinson West. Individually and together as a group, the members of this outstanding little league team exemplify the values of teamwork, fair play, competitive spirit and excellence held by the team's namesake, Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 and who has inspired young African-American athletes ever since; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council, assembled this tenth day of September, 2014, do hereby congratulate Jackie Robinson West players Jaheim Benton, Cameron Bufford, DJ Butler, Brandon Green, Trey Hondras, Josh Houston, Ed Howard, Marquis Jackson, Pierce Jones, Eddie King, Prentiss Luster, Lawrence Noble and Daniel Radcliffe, and their coaches Jason Little, Jerry Houston and Darold Butler, for winning the United States Little League World Series Championship; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the players and coaches of Jackie Robinson West as a token of our admiration and esteem.