Chicago salutes Jackie Robinson West, “The United States of America Little League Champions” on their outstanding victory! The city of Chicago did it up big time for these young men, with a parade starting from the South Side of the city, ending with a huge celebration in Downtown Millennium Park. It was an amazing sight to watch on TV, and an even better feeling to be standing in the heart of the city as thousands of fans from all over cheered on America’s Champions. “Wow, wow, wow, this is unbelievable,” coach Darold Butler said after the team received a prolonged cheer from the crowd when they took the stage at Pritzker Pavilion. “Y’all are about to make me cry.”
The 13 young men stood tall and humble as they listened to speeches saluting them, and watched video clips of their accomplishments. Being so young, I’m not sure if they really understand what a huge deal this is! It was not only a win for JRW; it was a win for the entire U.S.A. It was an even greater win, and much needed outpouring of love and euphoric energy hovering over the city of Chicago.
EVP Kenny Williams of the Chicago White Sox made a speech that resonated throughout the crowd. Although he claims not to be a public speaker, he surely did a great job up there and his voice was indeed heard. Huge applause especially flooded the park when he said: “I had someone pass me by the other day and say those boys are so well behaved and I said, ‘Yeah, we teach that (as part of the ACE program). The other stuff you see reported, the perception of what’s happening in Chicago, that ain’t us. These young men gave you a glimpse into who we really are.”
Congratulations JRW! You’ve made us all very proud! –lili
