Neighbor News
Photo Gallery: South Side Ball Players Take Part in DDC Classic
Top High School baseball players took part in the Double Duty baseball game at Guaranteed Rate Field
Information provided below, courtesy of the Chicago White Sox
On Tuesday, July 24th the White Sox held the annual Double Duty Classic (DDC) – an event celebrating the history and tradition of the Negro Leagues in Chicago and promoting the next generation of inner-city baseball talent. The pregame ceremony included a ceremonial first pitch by 2005 World Series Most Valuable Player and White Sox ambassador Jermaine Dye. The annual baseball showcase features the best inner-city 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.
A special forum on the history of the Negro Leagues and African Americans in the game of baseball was held prior to the baseball game.
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Special guests scheduled 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 ( Marian Catholic graduate). Holmes served as moderator for the forum. Additional guests That appeared included former Negro League players Dennis Biddle (Chicago American Giants), Ray Knox (Chicago American Giants and Newark Eagles) and Ernie Westfield (Birmingham Black Barons).
The East team won the game 11-10 after coming back from a five-run deficit. The Minnie Miñoso Most Value Player Award was presented to Angelo Cantelo, who started for the East team as a designated hitter. He is a Blue Island resident who plays catcher/first baseman and will graduate from Marian Catholic High School in the Class of 2019.