All-Black Chicago Baseball Team First to Advance to Little League World Series in 31 Years

On the afternoon of Aug. 9, 2014, the Jackie Robinson West Little League made Chicago history after defeating New Albany, Ind. 12-7, in the Great Lakes Regional championship. A significant win in fact, because this makes them the first all-Black Chicago Little League team to advance to the Little League World Series in three decades.

Their accomplishment caught the attention of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has decided to declare Saturday as “Jackie Robinson West Little League Champions” Day across the state.

“With power and poise, this group of young ballplayers has outperformed opponents across the state, region and now they have their eyes, gloves and hearts set on a bigger field,” Quinn said in a statement. “Like Jackie Robinson, they didn’t hang up their cleats in the face of adversity. Now this year for the first time since 1983, they will get to compete in the Little League World Series… I wish them the best of luck as they represent our state on the worldwide stage.”

Founded on the south-side of Chicago in 1971, Jackie Robinson West consists of 11-and 12-year-old ballplayers, all residing from the Englewood, Chatham, Morgan Park and Auburn Gresham neighborhoods of Chicago. The champions are currently in Williamsport, Pa., preparing for their next game on Thursday, Aug. 14, where they will compete against the winner of the North-West USA region.

Stay Tuned: Little League World Series pool play, vs. Washington at 2 p.m. Thursday at Lamade Stadium, Williamsport, Pa. TV: ESPN. 

Visit the Jackie Robinson West Facebook page to stay updated on upcoming games, statistics and events.