Urban Invitational kicks off in Southern California
Major League baseball is working hard to spread the message of Black History Month across the country and the best way to do that is none other than promoting baseball games.
Things in Southern California, Compton, picked up when the Urban Youth Academy hosted the first game of the annual Urban Invitational series. The competition that has been sponsored by the United States Army is designed to assist youngsters coming up in
their fields.
The three day tournament is designed to help promote Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) that have taken the hardened task to promote the people of various communities in the country.
The games kicked off five hours before the official clock team as rain forecasts were made earlier. The decision played out well for four teams that were competing on Friday.
UC Irvine were able to walk off with a critical win over Southern with a 7-1 score line. Similarly, Gramble State clinched a win from Bethune–Cookman by a 5-3 runs tally.
Director of the Urban Youth Academy, Darrell Miller, had a chance to speak on the matter."We're glad we got the games in", said Miller. "The stress of the weather makes it difficult to get the games in, but we're doing the best we can. The bottom line is
these guys flew out here to play baseball".
Gramble State’s Adrian Turner turned in an amazing performance as he allowed just one single to the first batter, in the opening innings. He did not concede another hit till the 8th inning when hitter, D. J. Leonard packed another single.
Gramble State’s coach, James Cooper had something to tell the press concerning the series.
"I think the tournament is great", Cooper said. "I think it's great for baseball and the HBCUs to get them all the way to the West Coast and play tough competition. It gives the nation the chance to view HBCU schools".
Tags: