The White Sox created the Amateur City Elite (ACE) program in 2007 to reverse the declining interest and participation in baseball among African American youth. Now in its 16th year, ACE continues to provide a pathway to the game of baseball for 150+ youth annually, while offering educational and mentorship programming aimed at pulling kids away from the dangers and potentially fatal distractions of Chicago¡¯s violent neighborhoods. In December, the ACE program received MLB¡¯s prestigious 2022 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence.
Youth Baseball Programs
The White Sox have always sought to grow the game and ensure there is a level playing field for all who love baseball. Working to create more accessible and inclusive opportunities in many of Chicago¡¯s more economically disadvantaged communities, White Sox Charities-funded youth baseball programs continue to produce top-tier baseball talent and prepare young men and women to lead extraordinary lives beyond the diamond.
Named after Negro League standout Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe, the Double Duty Classic (DDC) is a celebration of the best inner-city high school players in the country. Since 2007, the DDC has served as a way to remember the history and tradition of Negro League Baseball in Chicago. Additionally, it has presented the next generation¡¯s top prospects with an opportunity to shine in front of coaches, scouts and their community while also remembering the Negro Leaguers who made these opportunities available.
The Inner City Youth Baseball (ICYB) program, in partnership with the Chicago Park District, provides free, safe and structured recreational baseball programming during the summer months to inner city youth ages six through 12.
The White Sox RBI program, in affiliation with Major League Baseball's Nike RBI Program, is a youth outreach program designed to increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth. New this season, the White Sox are providing jerseys and hats for 15 local youth baseball and softball organizations.
The White Sox are proud to support Team Teflon, a Chicago-based travel softball program that aims to support and foster diversity in the sport of softball. Its goal is to assist underrepresented softball players in excelling on and off the field while instilling self-confidence and a sense of belonging through athletic development.
For more information about White Sox community baseball programs, please email us at [email protected].