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Cramer Hill’s Red Sox Return from the White House Beisbol: The Latin Spirit
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El Hispano/Jim Smith
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Camden–The theme of the Tee-ball event, “Beisbol: The Latin Spirit,” continued a tradition that President Bush-a former owner of the Texas Rangers- began in 2001, with the goal of honoring the role of baseball in American history, and encouraging a “spirit of teamwork and service in American youth.”
For the parents among the day’s highlights was seeing President Bush pay tribute to the legendary Puerto Rican star of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Roberto Clemente, and placing his number in a place of honor next to that of Jackie Robinson.
“He was one of my idols,” said Raynoldo Santiago, referring to Roberto Clemente. “For me seeing the dedication of Clemente’s number was really great.”
A parent and a coach in the Cramer Hill League for the last fifteen years, Mr. Santiago echoed the sentiments of other parents, saying that the White House trip will have a lasting “impact on this community.”
“We have a great group of kids, and we’ve been doing this for so long, and finally somebody noticed,” added Mr. Santiago. “I kept thinking this is a great time for Cramer Hill.”
“We had a great time, they treated us one-hundred percent,” said Luis Neco, the Vice President of the Cramer Hill Little League, which has twenty-four teams and some 400 players, between the ages of four and 17.
Discussing the benefits of the baseball League, Mr. Neco noted, “We’re keeping kids off the streets and in a safe environment. It’s good for the city.”
The League President, Pete Perez, in an earlier article agreed, “It’s a blessing for the children of Cramer Hill.”
The game was a routine series of hits and outs until a wild toss hit first baseman Andy Fortuna, who had to be carried from the field by manager Angel Nieves. After some medical attention from his parents, Andy rejoined his tee-ball teammates, who ranged in ages from four to seven years old.
The honorary Little League Commissioner for the day was Roberto Clemente, Jr. and the game itself was announced by NBC’s Natalie Morales. The first base coach for the Tee-ball contest was former star Jose Rijo and third base was coached by the Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez.
“It was a sustained high note,” said José Delgado, a coach and member of the Camden School Board. Of the many distinctive memories, Mr. Delgado recalled seeing President Bush helping move one of the tables before the awards ceremony, and how Mr. Luis Neco jokingly said, “Mr. President you shouldn’t be doing that, you’re the leader of the free world.”
Both Mr. Delgado and Mr. Santiago hope that the “national publicity” will help stimulate an increase in donations to the league.
“We’re trying to develop a long-term master plan for the league, to refurbish the fields” and provide some other amenities, such as bleachers for parents and fans, “so they can watch the games and don’t have to stand.”
Some of the other needs of the League include a clubhouse with an area for equipment storage, batting cages, bathrooms and a concession area, according to both Mr. Delgado and Mr. Santiago.
A Camden Fireman, Mr. Santiago emphasized the poor drainage of the fields and the lack of maintenance, said, “It’s a lot of volunteer work. I remember having to go out and cut the grass before some games.”
If you wish to make a donation send to:
CRAMER HILL LITTLE LEAGUE
ATTN. LUIS NECO
P.O. BOX 1264
CAMDEN NJ 08105
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