Jackie Robinson West still on for visit to Northbrook for Black History Month celebration
A Black History Month event featuring the Jackie Robinson West baseball team will go on as planned in Northbrook despite Wednesday's ruling by Little League International officials to strip the team of last summer's U.S. championship.
In a hastily called meeting, Northbrook officials concluded the team should appear Saturday, Feb. 21, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at North Suburban YMCA for the "Baseball, Values and the Jackie Robinson West Champions!" event.
As late as Tuesday, the Northbrook Community Relations Commission's Black History Month subcommittee met to finalize preparations. Marketing, promotions and hospitality for Jackie Robinson West were among the agenda items.
"Northbrook's Community Relations Commission remains committed to fulfilling its mission of fostering and promoting understanding, mutual respect, cooperation and positive relations, by hosting its annual Black History Month event," according to a village statement issued Wednesday. "The theme of this year's event is to celebrate America's favorite pastime, baseball, and the history and accomplishments of America's black players. The commission expresses their sincere gratitude to the young players of the Jackie Robinson West Little League team for the drive, devotion and spirit they have brought to the youth baseball community. We fully support these incredible young athletes, and extend an open invitation for them to participate in our event."
The decision means a planned Waukegan Township outing to Northbrook won't be scrubbed. Bus reservations will be taken through Feb. 18, with room for a maximum of 90 children and 10 adult chaperones, officials said.
Waukegan Township spokeswoman Kim Woods said the players didn't have anything to do with the Little League ruling and the Jackie Robinson West visit can serve as a "teachable moment" for those in attendance.
"Even though life throws a curve sometimes, you've got to keep going," Woods said.
"Baseball, Values and the Jackie Robinson West Champions!" is billed as a free event for children and adults from across the Chicago area. Attendees are encouraged to wear jerseys and to partake in a free ballpark hot dog lunch.
In a meeting Oct. 21, the Northbrook representatives brainstormed ideas on how to recognize Black History Month. Meeting minutes show the idea of a Jackie Robinson West program "immediately came to the forefront and was enthusiastically supported."
Players and others associated with the team are to participate in activities, but it's unknown whether now-suspended manager Darold Butler will attend.
Village of Northbrook documents show a meet-and-greet in the YMCA's main gymnasium will kick off the festivities and a question-and-answer session is planned. Part of the day will feature a "Jackie Robinson and Black Baseball Players" multimedia presentation moderated by Black History Month subcommittee member Crystal Cartwright.
Little League officials said an investigation revealed Chicago-based Jackie Robinson West had falsified boundaries and used ineligible players.