The Tribune

By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr, founder of the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League, made a special appearance this past weekend at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The Little League players were met with a pleasant surprise as the Bahamian Major League Baseball (MLB) star signed their equipment, took pictures and made small conversations with them before watching them play in week three action across the various divisions.

Chisholm Jr made his return home following a successful turf toe surgery on his right foot and the National League playoffs of the MLB.

After being greeted by excited supporters and the players of his league, he was happy to be back at home.

“It feels good, all the kids coming up to the car asking for autographs, pictures, saying how happy they are to see you, to watch them play and go watch them hit home runs, it feels great,” he said.

The Miami Marlins star recently launched his foundation with the aims of providing resources to youth baseball and softball leagues, incorporating financial literacy into programmes and supporting other non-profit organisations.

Following the launch of the foundation came the birth of the Little League in September.

With up to 300 kids participating until December 3 in the T-Ball, Coach Pitch, 12-and-under (12U), and 14-and-under (14U) divisions, the league’s founder was happy to see the kids enjoying the competition.

“I feel like I have seen a lot of kids look like they are happy to be out here, they are ready to play ball, are enjoying it and most of all, they are having fun,” the Miami Marlins centre fielder said.

Chisholm Jr told reporters that one of the main reasons for establishing his own league is to help with the progression of baseball in The Bahamas.

“My goal with this little league is to make it like the Dominican Republic. We’re competing with the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and those guys. I feel like the talent is here and we just have to give them the opportunity. I feel like this is the opportunity,” he said.

In this past weekend’s Little League action, teams competed across the four divisions.

Jazz Black and Jazz Yellow both were victors in the 11U division on Saturday. Jazz Black shut down team Jazz Blue 8-6. Jazz Yellow had an identical score in their win over Jazz Blue. The 14U division saw Jazz Blue and Jazz Black earn wins in weekend action. Jazz Blue took care of Jazz Black 7-0, and defeated Jazz Yellow 11 to zip. Additionally, they emerged victorious over Jazz White 6-1 on Sunday. Jazz Black earned a narrow 10-9 win against Jazz Yellow on Saturday.

The only remaining game from Sunday’s action showed Jazz Yellow putting on a show in a 22-12 victory against Jazz Blue in the T-Ball division.

Games were postponed on Sunday due to the inclement weather.

The Little League continues next weekend and games will be played, as previously mentioned, until the championship rounds on December 3.