I recently finished a photo and video story on the Rochester Hispanic Youth Baseball League, which kicked off its 18th season on June 1. I like these kinds of stories because they have the potential to focus attention on the good that happens in the inner city. The news we hear about drugs and violent crime in Rochester is very real and it should be reported. But let’s not allow this news to overshadow the truth about our city, that there are many more good stories than bad ones. Every day there are good people doing great things in what are perceived to be bad areas of this city.
Among these good people are the organizers, sponsors and volunteers who are the engine of the RHYBL, an organization whose purpose goes beyond baseball. Coaches strive to create a safe environment for 4- to 15-year-old kids to learn not just about batting and fielding, but also about responsibility and respect. Although a quick poll of the players might find that many expect to play for the New York Yankees, this league is about building future community leaders, not future baseball stars.
On opening day these future leaders and their mentors marched down North Clinton Avenue shouting their team names and waving banners, putting their neighbors on notice that they are proud RHYBL participants and community members.
We might all be better off if we sometimes looked beyond the headlines and saw Rochester through their eyes.
Watch the video here. http://bit.ly/105dkGD
