Little League World Series : Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West [VIDEO]

The all-black Jackie Robinson West league out of Chicago continues to draw attention at this years Little League World Series.  The Great Lakes Region champions play Nevada today at 1 pm CT.

The all-black team from Chicago's Morgan Park neighborhood have proved to be a major contender in this years Little League World Series.  The Chicago Tribune reports the  youngsters game Thursday (Aug. 14th) on ESPN, got a rating of 2.4 million viewers.  Which is better than both the Chicago Cubs, who average 1.5 and Chicago White Sox who pull 1.4.

Not to shabby.  In spite of the on going turmoil surrounding the Michael Brown shooting, their national story continues to grow.  The Jackie Robinson West team has brought hope to their community, which in turn has rallied behind the team to raise money for them to travel to Williamsport, Penn.  Major leaguers like LaTroy Hawkins, Carl Crawford, B.J. and Justin Upton have lent financial support to help cover the teams travel expenses.  The MLB is ecstatic the boys are raising so much excitement in the black community about baseball.  As the league has worked for years to make the game more popular with young African American kids through its Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program.

Jackie Robinson West is giving fans a number of reasons to watch. Thursday they pummeled Washington states Northwest champions Lynnwood Pacific, 12-2.  Lead-off batter Pierce Jones was 4-for-4 with three homers and a triple in their opening game at the Little League World Series.

Chicago's Jackie Robinson West takes on Nevada today at 1 pm CT in hopes to continue their winning streak.  Meanwhile to keep up with the ever changing brackets and schedules click here.

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