Committee on Transportation and Public Way
ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to an ordinance heretofore passed by the City Council, which allows the erection of honorary street name signs, the Commissioner of Transportation shall take the necessary action to designate the 1000 and 1100 blocks of West Luis Munoz Marin Drive as "Neftali "Buzzo" Reyes Jr. Way"
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon passage and publication.
Bio for Neftali "Buzzo" Reyes Jr. Prepared by Annette Flores, Neftali's Mother
On May 3, 1998 Neftali Reyes Jr. was born in Norwegian American Hospital, in the Humboldt Park Community of Chicago. Growing up in the Humboldt Park Community, Neftali was faced with many challenges that he overcame, due to his strong will and leadership character. Both his parents were gunshot victims, his mother, an innocent bystander, shot twice in the head by a drive-by shooting and father shot five times, including one through the heart. Neftali's birth was a miracle in itself, being that his parents should not be alive. For these reasons we knew Neftali was gonna be special. With the normality of gang affiliation and drug dealing in the community, Neftali refrained from negativity, and dedicated his heart, mind, and soul to his family and the game of baseball. He loved his family with a passion. His love stretched from the youngest to the oldest. He made it a priority to be available to help always in any way, for any of his loved ones. Neftali began playing baseball at the age of 5 for Humboldt Parks little league. He played for the Cubs. He was a White Sox fan at heart, but his love for the game was displayed with his character of sportsmanship. Always spreading the utmost positivity with his charisma.
In 2008, Neftali was selected to introduce The Little Cubs Field for the groundbreaking ceremony, built here in Humboldt Park. His admiration, dedication, commitment, and will love for baseball transitioned with him from grade school to high school. He played his heart out, and always left everything on that field. This gifted, talented young man was definitely beating all odds. He graduated from Roberto Clemente High School with honors, and a full scholarship to pursue his dream, and play the game baseball, which was his first love. His parents were so proud. He, himself, was so excited and grateful that all the years of hard work, dedication, and commitment earned him the privilege to play college baseball.
He left home in August of 2016. Mom and Dad drove him down to Claflin University, in South Carolina. Leaving our son so far from home came with a little anxiety because Neftali was our only baby boy. Knowing that Neftali made good choices in the midst of so much negative influence around him in Humboldt Park, we were eased, somewhat. Neftali was focused on his dream. After his first year in College, Neftali returned home and found out he had a partially torn ligament, and would need the Tommy John Surgery. This meant he was unable to return to school in South Carolina. As his parents, still trying to move away from the neighborhood due to the danger, dreaded him having to stay home. He was a young man now, so it is more dangerous.
On Dec 28, 2017 Neftali was out with some friends past his regular curfew. This is an action Neftali rarely to none entertained. At about 2:00 a.m. he was called by one of his friends whom was stranded for a ride. His intuition was to come home due to the time, and he was tired. However, he had a heart of gold and always went out his way to help others. Nonetheless, this decision came with terrible consequence. Instead of coming home, which was his original intention, he decided to go help his buddies out with a ride. On the way, without provocation or any apparent reason, he was followed/chased and gunned down. Neftali fought for his life, but succumbed to the traumatic injuries and passed away at 6:26 a.m. on Dec 29th of 2017. He was an overcomer, striving to fulfill his dream of playing baseball as a pitcher forthe MLB.