Race didn't matter in JRW achievement
On Aug. 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his memorable "I Have A Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. It included his dream that "one day little children will not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character."
Still, on Aug. 28, your newspaper reporting on the Little League United States Champion referred to the Jackie Robinson West team as the "all-black team" from Chicago.
My family and I watched with enthusiasm their winning national title game on Saturday, Aug. 23, against the team from Las Vegas and then on Sunday the world championship game against South Korea that they lost after a truly never-give-up effort. At no time did the television commentators mention the color of these JRW boys' skin.
They also did not call the winning team all Asian. It didn't matter.
These little 11-, 12- and 13-year-old boys played winning baseball. Their families and coaches are to be commended on the raising and training of these young men. They are no different from thousands of other parents and coaches worldwide who are trying their best to raise and coach young athletes playing baseball, football, soccer, basketball or hockey.
They played with admirable skills that should put our professional baseball teams to shame. They played with good sportsmanship, athleticism and character. They will represent the United States as the champion Little League Baseball team. Not the "all-black" team from Chicago.
Dr. King would be proud. I know that I am.
Patricia A. Peterman
Glendale Heights