URBAN INITIATIVE PROJECT BEGINS SECOND SEASON at CARROLL PARK!

CITYWIDE1380 SEASON 2 – “JUST PUTTIN’ CLEATS IN THE DIRT!”

After a “Big Hit” inaugural season in 2011, the MD/AAU Baseball Urban Initiative Project’s “CITYWIDE1380 Baseball League” begins its second season of play at the Carroll Park Sports Complex in Baltimore City with a continuing effort to increase the exposure of AAU Baseball in the inner-city.  Already into the third week of the 2012 season, league officials, coaches, players, and fans are even more excited about the upcoming schedule of games featuring five of the City’s top youth baseball programs.  Returning for the 2012 CW1380 campaign are the 2011 league champion and gold medal winner, James Mosher Astros; silver medalist Baltimore Lions Baseball Club; EGBC Giants Baseball (bronze medal); Bluford-Drew-Jemison S.T.E.M. Academy East campus Rockets; and the Gardenville Grays.  Early season, the EGBC Giants and Gardenville Grays sit atop the standings followed by the Astros, Rockets, and Lions, respectively.  However, the competition down the stretch shapes up to be a great series of games as all teams anxiously chase the league’s championship gold medal.

The “CITYWIDE1380 Baseball League at Carroll Park” was created by the MD/AAU Baseball Committee as a bridge for young, inner-city players ages 13 and under to transition from the “recreation leagues” (60’/46’ diamond) to the “big leagues” (90’/60’).  The CW1380 league plays on diamonds with 80’ base paths and 54’ pitching mound, and matches the skill sets and abilities of players of similar age and baseball experience.  In addition, the CW1380 league offers an incentive to young players to keep playing baseball as they improve their on-field game and enhance their lives as future leaders and productive members of the Baltimore City community.  Good sportsmanship, high character, and commitment are qualities that define the purpose, shape the mission, and set the standard for the second-year league.

The national AAU Baseball brand name helps to re-define and re-energize the game among at-risk youngsters who know AAU sports primarily through basketball competition.  The CW1380 league is sanctioned under the National AAU Baseball Travel League for Recreation and Parks teams program.  All participants, athletes and non-athletes, must have a current AAU membership prior to participating in the league.

THE EARLY SEASON IN REVIEW – thru May 11, 2012

Five games into the 2012 schedule, the EGBC Giants and Gardenville Grays are battling to replace the James Mosher Astros as the league’s top squad—even though a schedule of stiff competition remains before the league title is decided.  Close games, tough calls, clutch pitching, and timely hitting have all added to the excitement of the early season results.  The increased level of play and on-field growth by the youngsters, and coaches, over the course of the season will determine the outcome of games played in May and June, and the eventual league champion.  All players and coaches receive end-of-season awards and AAU medals.

The James Mosher Astros led by Head Coach Todd Henson, and the Gardenville Grays by Head Coach Andre Brown represent two of the oldest, most dedicated, and most respected youth baseball programs in Baltimore City.  The EGBC Giants and Head Coach Larry Monroe also bring a storied history of youth baseball activities and player development to the group.  The Baltimore Lions’ squad led by Head Coach Teo Pichardo features a mix of Hispanic youngsters with their Latin-American style of play.  The Bluford-Drew-Jemison S.T.E.M. Academy East campus Rockets coached by Head Coach Derrick Sherman consist of student-athletes representing the top charter school’s middle school program.  Both individually and collectively, the clubs all possess a real passion and enthusiasm for the sport of youth baseball.

The 2012 CITYWIDE1380 league schedule is located below.  More league details and updates will be provided in future postings at this website location.  So check back for ongoing league developments and progress.  “Sports for All, forever!”