August 27, 2014
CONTACT:
Mayor’s Press Office
MAYOR EMANUEL, CITY OF CHICAGO CELEBRATE
JACKIE ROBINSON WEST LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM
More than 10,000 attend Millennium Park Rally
Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined members of the Jackie Robinson West Little League team, coaches, their families, friends and thousands of fans at three events that included a neighborhood rally and parade throughout the South Side, which culminated with more than 10,000 fans celebrating the U.S. Little League Champions at a rally in Millennium Park. The day’s events were generously sponsored by the Chicago White Sox, Jewel-Osco and Ball Park Brand.
“From the rally at Jackie Robinson Park to the parade through the streets of Chicago to the Championship rally in Millennium Park, thousands people enjoyed today’s incredible celebration of the Jackie Robinson West All Stars,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I want to thank every City employee who made today special for our children, and their families, friends and fans. This is the way Chicago celebrates a championship.”
The rally held at Jackie Robinson Park drew approximately 2,000 enthusiastic residents sporting shirts with the team name and colors.
From there, the team, coaches and family members boarded trollies and began the parade. Throughout the parade route, large crowds of thousands of people gathered to show their support of the team at several locations, including: 103rd and Halsted; 95th and Halsted; 87th and Halsted; 79th and Halsted; 63rd and Halsted and US Cellular Field.
The team was greeted upon its arrival downtown by more fans, many of whom were sporting the team’s colors and loudly cheering them as they passed them on the way to Millennium Park. The double-decker bus was led into the park by the Chicago Police Department’s Mounted Unit, as is typically the case for parades and rallies held in honor of citywide championships.
“Today’s events confirm what we already knew: the Jackie Robinson West Little League team has united Chicagoans and garnered the respect of people of all ages from all over the country with their poise under pressure and their sheer determination,” said Mayor Emanuel. “On behalf of the 56,000 participants of baseball in our parks, this team exemplifies what can happen when a strong community provides its children with support and opportunities to become positively engaged and achieve their dreams.”
More than 10,000 fans from mostly the city and suburbs gathered in admiration of the team, which has become the “pride of Chicago” according to Emanuel.
“I have no doubt that this team – its kids and coaches – has inspired countless others to work hard to accomplish their goals. On behalf of the city of Chicago, I once again congratulate them for winning the U.S. Championship and proudly representing the U.S. at the World Championships. “I have a feeling this is just the beginning of many great things to come for these kids,” Emanuel added.
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About Ball Park Brand:
The Ball Park brand was launched in 1957 in response to a request from the owner of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. The Ball Park Frank was such a success, it was expanded nationally. Today, Ball Park products can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores and a variety of sports venues – including Detroit’s Comerica Park. For more information, visit www.ballparkbrand.com.
