Bridgeport Baseball League Provides Learning And Fun For Youth

Sam and John Torres wanted to memorialize their late father, Martin, in a way that would impact the children in their own Bridgeport community. In 2004, the brothers formed the Bridgeport Caribe Youth League (BCYL),an organized sports program designed to emphasize the same leadership qualities their father instilled in them: commitment, integrity, pride and respect. Since BCYL’s inception two years ago, hundreds of children between the ages of 5 and 12 have participated. This season approximately 320 children both – girls and boys – played between 10 and 14 games in five divisions at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT.

John and Sam are very pleased to have Casey Family Services on board. “Because of Casey Family Services and our other sponsors we’ve been able to expand this program and provide more outreach to the community. We’ve had field trips where we have taken the kids to see the Bridgeport Bluefish, participated in the Puerto Rican Parade and in August we are sponsoring a family day event that will coincide with our sports banquet,” replied John Torres. The league’s positive impact can be seen on various levels. “These kids walk away from the game knowing that winning is exciting and fun but it’s not everything,” says Sam Torres. The values of teamwork, integrity and respect are achieved through proper coaching and a commitment to build self-esteem in the youth participants.

The League is also affiliated with the Cal Ripkin League program which has drawn the attention of former Major League Baseball player Cal Ripkin. Ripkin wrote a letter to the league acknowledging that Bridgeport has “a very rich tradition of youth baseball.” In the letter Ripkin also stated, “There can only be one league champion, but you can all enjoy the game to its fullest, build friendships, improve your game and have a great time competing.” Sam and John Torres plan to continue to build on that tradition.

As a result of the success of the Caribe Youth Baseball League, the program has expanded to include year round activities for youngsters. The League ended its summer season on June 30, 2005 and is looking forward to a celebratory sports banquet at Lake Quassy in Middlebury, CT on August 28, 2005. The Bridgeport Caribe League is a 501 (C) (3)tax-exempt corporation. If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website at www.bcyl.org.