Team uses baseball to break socio-economic barriers

Photo by Cindy Crowley

The 2001 Nashville Tigers are (clockwise from left) Craig Hodge, Harris Smith, Fred Jones, Alex Boyd, Clarence Davis, William Herbert, Franklin Pogue, Montrell Adams, Golden Tate, Khiry Jenkins, Robert Lawrence, Quentin Ross and James Nutkis.

by Jessica Howard

This summer, a group of local baseball players found success on and off the field. Although the suburban and inner-city youth might appear to some to be an improbable team, there was more to the Nashville Tigers than what can be seen in a box score

What the Tigers had in common the unbiased innocence of youth and a love for the game was stronger than the socio-economic barriers that might otherwise have separated them.

The players were part of a special program created to combine the fundamentals of baseball with lessons in appreciating diversity. The program began three years ago with six area youngsters. This year, the team grew to a group of 15 talented 10- to 12-year-olds boasting a winning season.

The team traveled to Omaha, Neb., for the Continental Amateur Baseball World Series in July for eight days, losing just short of qualifying for the championship bracket after playing teams from Mexico City, Seattle and Woolsey, Ga.

Vanderbilt recognized the importance of teaching kids to learn from each other and wanted to show support. This spring, the Tigers sat in on a Commodore baseball game and visited the bullpen where they met several players.

"Baseball is a great way to teach about equality, diversity and achievement," said Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Michael J. Schoenfeld. "Plus, you get a lot more exercise and sunshine than in the classroom. A small contribution from Vanderbilt made a big difference in these kids' lives, and we're proud to have the Tigers wearing a little black and gold."

Vanderbilt also helped two youths have what they needed to play the entire season. The team played nearly 60 games, requiring several sets of uniforms. Vanderbilt's support helped buy the players' uniforms and equipment, and covered their food and lodging.

When the Tigers qualified for the CAB World Series, Vanderbilt again chipped in to cover a portion of the travel expenses.

"Vanderbilt has made a statement by stepping forward and helping with several of these kids in this process," Head Coach Chip Smith said. He hopes Vanderbilt's involvement might one day grow into a mentoring program with Commodore athletes.

With every crack of the bat, the players built lasting friendships and honed their baseball skills. Parents and coordinators agreed it was a strong lesson in the value of growing up with exposure to diversity.

"Kids understand far better than the rest of us that they're kids and they have the same likes and the same interests irrespective of their backgrounds," Smith said. "You watch them mold together and become real good buddies who end up spending weekends together."

The team was formed with a group of hand-picked all-star players from different youth leagues, matching kids with similar interests and families who were interested in being involved in the innovative program.

"They've all really come together as a very special team that has obviously achieved some very significant things," Smith said.

Smith hopes that not only will the team become better baseball players as they grow older, he also hopes that the life lessons they learned will have a lasting impact.

"Our commitment is really to try to use baseball as a bridge to work with some of the barriers that exist still in society and working with inner-city kids and bringing kids from all different backgrounds together," Smith said

Vanderbilt has demonstrated a longstanding interest in children the same age as the Tigers. Each year, the University sponsors a "Day on Campus," which brings every sixth-grader from the Metro Nashville public schools to the University. The "Day on Campus" program will expand the program to include private schools in 2001-02.