RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2014
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the Jackie Robinson West All Stars for their amazing performance in the Little League World Series
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WHEREAS, in the summer months leading up to the Little League World Series, held each year in August, Little Leagues around the world select an All-Star team made up of players aged 11 to 13 that compete in regional tournaments, hoping to advance to the Little League World Series; and
WHEREAS, eight teams from the United States and eight teams from around the world participate in the Little League World Series; and
WHEREAS, the Jackie Robinson West All Stars (JRW), based in Morgan Park, won the Great Lakes Regional Tournament and are the first team from Chicago to make the Little League World Series since 1983; and
WHEREAS, after beating the Lynnwood, Washington team 12-2 in the first round of the series, JRW did not lose sight of their goal, despite a loss to Las Vegas' Mountain Ridge team; and
WHEREAS, facing elimination from the tournament, JRW battled Rhode Island's Cumberland American team in a thrilling victory with a final score of 8-7; and
WHEREAS, after wins over Texas' Pearland East and Philadelphia's Taney Dragons, JRW had to face the only team that had beaten them thus far, Las Vegas' Mountain Ridge in a rematch; and
WHEREAS, the 7-5 victory over Mountain Ridge made Jackie Robinson West the United States Champions, thrilling the City of Chicago and earning them a spot in the final match of the series, against South Korea; and
WHEREAS, Jackie Robinson West played their hearts out, staging a near-rally in the final inning, but ultimately running out of time in a loss to South Korea; and
WHEREAS, as they had in victory, Jackie Robinson West showed supreme sportsmanship in the loss, making their home city swell with pride; and
WHEREAS, coach Darold Butler and assistant coaches Jason Little and Jerry Houston kept the team focused throughout the tournament, but reminded them to enjoy themselves, especially in the middle of close games; and
WHEREAS, DJ Butler, Lawrence Noble, Jaheim Benton, Ed Howard, Cameron Bufford, Brandon Green, Darion Radcliff, Marquis Jackson, Joshua Houston, Eddie King, Prentiss Luster, Pierce Jones and Trey Hondras thrilled the city and then the entire country with their impressive play and the grace they exhibited under a national spotlight; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do hereby congratulate the Jackie Robinson West All Stars on becoming the 2014 Little League World Series United States Champions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: September 4, 2014
Approved: KATHLEEN THERESE MEANY, President; BARBARA J. MCGOWAN, Vice-President; MARIYANA T. SPYROPOULOS, Chairman, Committee on Finance; MICHAEL A. ALVAREZ; FRANK AVILA; CYNTHIA M. SANTOS; DEBRA SHORE; KARI K. STEELE; PATRICK D. THOMPSON, Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Approved as to Form and Legality: Ronald M. Hill, General Counsel