Just like in Harlem, the desire to start a Little League baseball team in North Philadelphia is brewing.
Courtesy of Harlem Little LeagueFor almost 35 years, inside the white-chalked foul lines of a baseball field, children playing Little League ball in East Harlem have been able to take the field wearing uniforms with team sponsors on their backs while being cheered on by family and fans in the stands.
Raiford, who died suddenly in February, served the Little League International community for almost 25 years, including a stretch from 2001-04 when he was the organization’s first African American chairman, according to the“We are forever grateful for his foresight, leadership, and stewardship of our league and his friendship to many on our board and in the community,” Mercier said.
Before the couple formally established the league, Iris saw firsthand how troubled the youth community was in Harlem, she said. When they started the league, Iris worked alongside de Castro at Harlem Hospital before working for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Iris vividly remembers a young boy who would sit and watch games with the couple, and he didn’t even want to play.One of Philly’s most historic baseball fields is in disarray. Neighborhood activists are asking for help.With more people outside and spectators passing by, the El Barrio neighborhood felt like it was a different area.“All you need is volunteers — that’s the engine,” Iris said.When the Raifords got the charter for the league, they had a core group of three to five volunteers.
“If it’s only one field we have, make do with that one field,” Iris said. “The city doesn’t acknowledge you until you show the demand. I mean, that’s how we got our additional fields.”
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