Three Marian Catholic Baseball Players Take Part in Top Game

For three Marian Catholic baseball players a field of dreams became reality as they ran onto Guaranteed Rate field in the annual Double Duty Classic on July 24.

Incoming Marian Catholic seniors, Cameron Bufford, Angelo Cantelo and Pierce Jones celebrated the history and tradition of Negro League baseball in Chicago. The annual baseball game showcased and featured the best high school players dressed in retro East-West All-Star uniforms, honoring past Negro Leaguers and those who played in the historic game at Old Comiskey Park.

Angelo Cantelo, who lives in Blue Island talks about his excitement playing at Guaranteed Rate Field. “This is my first time playing in a major league field” said Angelo. “ I have played in a lot of minor league stadiums, nothing like this. This day means a lot for the guys who have come before us and paved the way for us it’s huge. I get to go on Sox field and play ball with all my buddies and players from other high schools. We get to compete on a major league field and experience this with kids that I’ve been playing with or against since I was ten years old” adds Angelo.

The Minnie Miñoso Most Value Player Award was presented to Angelo Cantelo, who started for the East team as a designated hitter. The Blue Island resident plays catcher/first baseman and will graduate from Marian Catholic High School in the Class of 2019. Angelo talks about his upcoming season.

“My sophomore year was a great run,” Angelo said. “ We lost in the State Championship, I was the catcher that year. This past year we had a lot of ups and downs but it was a positive thing to see because we started two freshman, a couple of sophomores and a bunch of juniors. This year we have our entire team returning our entire bullpen is coming back our entire starting lineup as well.”

For Marian Catholic player Pierce Jones, he was chosen to catch the ceremonial first pitch by 2005 World Series Most Valuable Player and White Sox ambassador Jermaine Dye. Marian Catholic’s Pierce Jones is committed to play for Northern Illinois University in 2020.

The East team won the game 11-10 after coming back from a five-run deficit.

Special guests that appeared on the panel included 2005 World Series Most Valuable Player and White Sox ambassador Jermaine Dye, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick, as well as DDC alumni Darius Day and Devin Pickett. Holmes served as moderator for the forum. Additional special guests that appeared include former Negro League players Ray Knox (Chicago American Giants and Newark Eagles) Dennis Biddle (Chicago American Giants), and Ernie Westfield (Birmingham Black Barons).