SPORTS
Harlem RBI Report | Summer 2012
P.7
Big Question:
Terence White, 11
Adrienne Berrios, 12
Eagles
Ravens
When was your favorite moment on the field?
When I caught a line drive on right field. My team was happy. We were behind and then we won.
When we’re all communicating. When we tell each other where to go. It feels good because we’re all connected.
Essence Torres, 15
Miranda Rodriguez, 16
Ricky Joyce, 15
Saints
Saints
When we’re in the dugout cheering our teammates. It feels good to support them.
Batting, playing third, playing outfield. All of my favorite moments are being on the team.
My first catch on left field. I had never done that before. Not even in practice? Not even in practice.
Location: Central Park, during AIDS WALK NYC
Devin Rudolph, 12 Eagles
When we did a triple play at practice. We did that because we communicated.
Quiteria Matthew, 12 Ravens
When I hit a triple. I felt like I had power. I was on top of the world.
Pride
Wearing Our Pride By Keila Calix, 10th Grade
T
oday’s youth are known for many of the wrong things and not necessarily what they should be known as: Children making a change in their lives for the better. Many children do not have the privilege to be a participant of a phenomenal program such as Harlem RBI. Yes, the term RBI is used when playing softball or baseball but we are not only about sports. We use the power of teams to Coach, Teach and Inspire youth to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. Many individuals in East Harlem are very dubious and do not believe in juxtaposing their imagination with the real world. Harlem RBI is the place that provides kids with the help needed to accomplish goals and pursue careers. Recently, the participants of Harlem RBI celebrated an event known as Uniform Night. This year, the event was coined “The Greatest Uniform Night Ever.” Being on our field with our brother/sister teams and all the other teams brought joy to our faces. We had the privilege of having an RBI alumnus and two seniors as guest speakers. By our parents uniting on the bleachers, it showed the children that they have support from all around and they are not alone. Music was blasting, teams tore through banners, cameras were flashing and people were cheering. It made us all feel like we were graduating.
As graduating seniors, the Lady Yanks tear through their banner for the last time.
It isn’t about receiving the uniform and playing on the field, but knowing you are at a celebration with your family. It’s not about the free jersey, pants, socks, visor and fitted; but the feeling that all your hard work from September to March has been recognized. Big smiles, laughter and hearts collaborating to allow us all to be grateful for the opportunities we have. This is the only event where all teams are united on the field together. That night was indeed the Greatest Uniform Night Ever.
Lessons Learned On The Road
By Brianna Madden, 6th Grade
T
he shots, the fall, the unexpected player, the perfectly pitched inning, the fun and the good teamwork. These are the highlights of Harlem RBI’s Eagles first baseball game in 2012. The Harlem RBI Eagles are the sixth grade boys’ baseball team in Teambuilders. Their coach is Angel Perez and their Learning Coach is Marcellus Foster. Their game took place in Connecticut–a big deal because it was the first scrimmage of the season. “We had good teamwork,” said Kevin Jerez. “The most challenging part was getting used to the distance from the pitching mound to home plate. It was a longer than the field we practice on.” “Even though we lost, we still kept our heads up,” said Devin Rudolph. The final score was 10-8, but it didn’t matter to the Eagles because they counted the innings they won. This means they focused only on the score of each inning. After asking about their feelings toward the loss, Jeremiah Caraballo said, “I was happy because we accomplished something we never did.” The Eagles get ready for a big year ahead.
Since the opposing team was about a year older than the Eagles, most of them were nervous because of how tall they were. But in the end, “It was awesome. It was fun too,” said Ivan Guzman.
Opening Day for the 2012 Saints
By Joseline Cadiz, 10th Grade
T
his is my 5th opening day with Harlem RBI and while there are many things that remain the same each year, this one felt much different. As a team we are a year older, a year stronger and simply better. Despite our differences we all have come together through all of our Saturday Winter Practices because we knew this day would come–Opening Day and all the promises of a new season. The excitement was definitely everywhere from the stands to the dugout. We were looking fresh with our new mostly all black uniform and we were ready to compete. The field was crisp, the grass seemed perfect, and the sun was shining. “Play Ball!” yelled the umpire. The game was on. I played center field that day and though I didn’t get a hit I felt good because I hit the ball to the outfield. But ultimately I felt really happy and excited because we won our game! The game ended in a mercy against our younger sister team the Angels.
The Saints rock their colors on the Field of Dreams.