White Fields Foundation sponsored 4 teams to play little league baseball in Homewood in the spring/summer of 2010. Approximately 50-60 young people were involved in the league.
The age groups were comprised in three 9-12 year old teams and one soft-pitch team of 7-8 year olds. Kahlil Morris, President of Homewood Community Sports was our partner in this initiative. Special thanks go out to Concordia Lutheran Ministries who was our financial sponsor. The teams: Astros, Reds, Blue Jays, and Cardinals competed in the Wilkinsburg Little League Association.
In addition to the full schedule of games White Fields sponsored a Pirates outing vs. the White Sox in June as well as a baseball clinic (w/cookout) done in collaboration with Christian Sports International (CSI). Sid Bream and other ex-players conducted a skills clinic on June 23rd at Stargell Field in Homewood with almost 50 young people in attendance. The day was closed with Sid sharing his faith in Christ and calling the young men and women in attendance to respond to the invitation of God’s love in the gospel. A day-camp experience is planned for the kids this summer as well.
Bryan McCabe was a key person all season long assisting us in the community as well. Brian lives in Homewood along with his wife and two children and directs the LAMP program with Faison Elementary and Intermediate Schools.
The Homewood coaches, Leo Wisniewski, and Kahlil Morris led this effort along with volunteers from our men’s ministry. Plans to expand teams in 2011 and secure a long-term commitment to the program are underway. Brennan Gaertner from White Fields was a key leader in re-starting little league baseball on the North Side in 2007 with financial help from Concordia Lutheran Ministries. He has witnessed through that experience how mentoring relationships through baseball can become a great bridge of love to children and their families.
Kahlil, along with his leadership team, Moe and Monte Robinson, have developed a powerful youth football program in Homewood over the last several years. They are eager to expand baseball in 2011 to serve more children in the area.
Click here to see some pictures from our Little League.
