CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL

Wednesday, October 1, 2008Updated: October 9, 12:55 PM ETEmphasis on academics propels Clemente High prospects
By Cesar RodriguezESPNdeportes.com
CHICAGO -- Adrian Perez pushes his backpack through a metal detector before entering Robert Clemente High School. Amid the chaos and worry about the possibility of a fight in the hallway or other violence, Perez instead looks forward to maintaining a good academic average that would enable him to continue doing what he loves most: playing baseball.
"It hasn't been easy," Perez, a senior, said, "but I see that discipline is important if you want to become a professional. In my school, there are a lot of players who would rather join a gang instead of committing to the sport, which they see as just a game."
At Roberto Clemente High School, sports are more than just a game  they're a way out. With that in mind, coach Christopher Hall took his players to Puerto Rico at the beginning of the season to play in a tournament and give them the opportunity to explore firsthand the Puerto Rican scenario, where baseball is a cultural value.
"This school has a negative reputation. We have to work twice as hard because people see us as gangsters and they think that, because of our many problems, nobody wants to study," Perez said. "But we are talented and we can go far. The trip to Puerto Rico taught us that there is a different culture outside of our community."
On the streets of the Humboldt Park community in Chicago, drugs, school dropouts and gangs are part of life. Here, Hall attempts to fight chaos with baseball.
Roberto Clemente High School is named for the former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder. Devoted to charity work in Latino countries, Clemente died in December 1972 on his way to Nicaragua to deliver aid to victims of an earthquake.
For the past six years, Roberto Clemente High School has been in the spotlight for developing some of the best baseball players in Illinois. Hall implemented academic prerequisites for players and has shown them a more passionate desire for success.
"In my team, the student will learn the importance of studying," Hall said. "If he chooses not to study, he will not play. It is something that they have to understand, they have to comply with the academic requirements."
Hall, a scout for the Atlanta Braves, said the success of players who have come out of Roberto Clemente High School has motivated a few young prospects to follow his advice.
Hall and several parents have been a critical element in the development of these athletes, but at times they have struggled for support within the Humboldt Park community.
"I work hard to help the schools in my community," said city alderman Manny Flores, who helps promote the sport in the community. "But we need parents to get involved. Sports is something that young people need, and we are very proud of our baseball team here at the Roberto Clemente High School."
School council president Judy Vazquez said "only one local politician has shown interest in the school." She supported the team in trying to raise money for its trip to Puerto Rico. According to Vazquez, local businesses refused to donate.
"Business-oriented folks think that youngsters are here only to steal from them," she said. "They don't understand that our players need the support because they come from very poor families. For the trip to Puerto Rico, everyone said 'yes,' but when the time came, one of the local merchants even sent a check for $10. It was humiliating."
Hall acknowledges feeling disappointed with coverage by the local media, who he says portray school violence prominently but ignore student-athletes' successes.
"I called the sportswriters from the Sun-Times and the Tribune, and they all told me the same thing: 'Your trip to Puerto Rico with the team is not good material for a feature.' Well, but the sports sections devoted to high school sports in those newspapers are full of features of teams from the suburbs and teams with white kids on them. How come my story is not good enough for them?" Hall said.
Financial support is scarce, but that hasn't been a barrier for players such as shortstop Marvin Sanchez, who received a scholarship to play for the University of Northern Illinois. Sanchez said the discipline he received in his home and while playing for Roberto Clemente High have been keys to his success.
"I want to be a role model for kids," he said. "Growing up in this neighborhood is not easy because there are drugs, gangs, and many friends don't have goals in life. It hasn't been easy for me at NIU because I am the only Latino there, and I am used to playing with Latinos. I don't worry; I know I will succeed and I will represent my family and Humboldt Park."
Aside from the social and academic obstacles of his first year in college, Sanchez faced one of the most complex challenges of his life: the killings at NIU on Feb. 14. Sanchez refused to comment on the tragedy, but he did say that baseball helped him heal.
Shortstop Marvin Sanchez says the values he learned while playing at Roberto Clemente High School helped him earn a scholarship to Northern Illinois.
"That was something that happened," he said. "I lost friends … but I have my family with me, and we will move on. The most important thing is staying in the fight and achieving my goals."
Victor Diaz, a Clemente High alumnus and outfielder with the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A affiliate Tacoma Rainiers, was nominated as one of the best high school players in Illinois four years in a row. Diaz, a Dominican native, started his career with the New York Mets on Sept. 11, 2004, and immediately showed his potential, hitting three home runs before the end of the month.
Despite the struggles Hall faces, he is committed to training players to become great baseball players, strong students and men who walk through life with their heads held high.
Perez expects to receive a scholarship to play Division I baseball. Someday, he says, his dream is to reach the major leagues and say: "I played at the Roberto Clemente High School."

BOXING IS NOT FOR KIDS

The Antonio Margarito vs. Miguel Cotto was history in the making. However, I did not enjoy the image of Cotto’s wife and child crying after the fight. Who takes their toddler to a boxing match? “Hey son! Lets go see your dad get a can of whoopass tonight.” I didn’t graduate from the Jane Adams College of Social Work, but taking a child to see his dad pounded has to leave some physiological scars. To add to the violence in the ring you have your typical idiots screaming obscenities about the fighters’ nationality and mother; This is not helping a child’s development. My dad is a hot-blooded Duranguense who trained with the former Mexican champ Jose “Pepe” Parga. As a kid I remember my dad threw a number of nice jabs. Most recently, during Dad and Son week at the U. of I. Urbana-Champaign 2004 where my dad dispatched an arrogant fraternity boy for being rude. He is 60 years-old and hits like a champ! But I never enjoyed watching my dad in those situations—win or lose. Don’t think I’m a Michael Savage wannabe, but boxing in my eyes is rated ‘R’ (only for adults) and parents should think twice about taking their kids to a fight.

Cuauhtémoc Conquers MLS

Villain, hero, jerk, are only some of the few terms Cuauhtémoc Blanco has been called by soccer aficionados in his long career. Oh yes! We forgot one more thing: The new face for Major League Soccer! “Temoc” has demonstrated his talent and knowledge of the game, since his arrival to the Chicago Fire. Toyota Park sells-out more games than the Chicago White Sox (1st in Central Div.). His contribution in the league can be compared to Pele’s in the NASL, because of the ability to help turn soccer into a fútbol spectacle. Who would have thought that USA’s worst enemy could become a hero for the MLS? With his stellar performance this season and at the all-star game, Fire executives should start preparing a new big-money deal to show their gratitude. Also, it would not surprise me to see a statue of Blanco outside Toyota Park in a few years.

The ghetto side of sports

The NFL is finally taking some action to monitor player activities to ensure no one is flashing gang signs. Bravo! However, the problem is not only gang sings, but how some of these players present themselves. Ghetto with a capital‘G’. I grew-up watching Jordan and Pippen. Both would always have their sharp suits after the game and were eloquent during interviews.
It’s the leagues fault! This what you get when you draft a kid right out of high school— underserved high schools in some cases—.
I cringe when I hear professional athletes sound like they are on the corner selling dope. This bothers me, especially when the majority of athletes are coming from top universities. Wow, they are making 110 million and represent our sports by acting like thugs—sweet!

One idea, could be for all professional leagues to implement a mandatory etiquette and professionalism classes to help their athletes adapt to the working world. I don’t blame the players, but the universities, leagues and owners for not polishing their products before they hit the shelves.

Don't think I'm scared of seeing gang signs, especially ''attendin'' one of the worst high schools in Chicago, that had its share of Two Sixers, Saints, La Raza, and Disciples. Fights, drugs and shootings were part of school life.

Say it ain't so Brett

Ok, everyone has the right to make a mistake or to have a new start, this is America. However, I don’t agree with Brett Favre’s decision to return to the NFL. You retired, remember! Last year, he made a big scene on national television, sobbing and telling everyone how much he would miss the sport. I love the drama! Be fair to your fans and yourself, don’t come back and ruin the image of the great Favre. You have nothing to prove, but everything to lose. The Packers moved on, you should do the same.

Lion Heart

As expected by many, Chicago's finest David Diaz was defeated by one of the best fighters in history--Manny Paquiao. Although Paquiao gave Diaz one of the worst beatings and demonstrated his superiority, it was boxing at its best. A "fajador" vs. a "tecnico/fajador", two men who worked and trained at the highest level, with the goal of becoming the best. Diaz was slaughtered in the ring, but showed character and a heart of a warrior. Meanwhile, Paquiao-- a true gentleman-- is a perfect example of how boxers should act on-and-off the ring, more importantly he continued his reign in boxing.

Futbol is like 2x6

I was enjoying the Spain vs. U.S.A. friendly at the Chicago White Sox media room with a group of soccer fans. As Oguchi Onyewu missed one of the clearest possibilities for a goal, a reporter in his late 50s with a disgruntled look stopped to watch. After Onyewu missed the ball the man maliciously looked at us and said: “I can’t respect a sport that has (0-0) at the end of the match. I hate soccer”.
Soccer or football-- what ever your preference-- has to be one of the most popular sports in the world (except U.S.A.). I respect many Americans hate the sport and don’t appreciate the beauty of the game; everyone has the right to choose and are open to their opinion. In Football the average team scores three touchdowns a game, each worth six points.So, whats so bad about soccer? Most soccer leagues have two goals per-game (2x6=12). Why call yourself a sports journalist or follow the profession if you are segregating or stereotyping a specific sport. I see it as an Archie Bunker mentality (one of my favorite shows) — where’s Michael Stivic when you need him! As an ESPN Deportes Dream Job finalist, I learned one of the most important things in my career: el deporte es vida. A friend told me ‘to be successful you need keep on working and focus on appreciating all sports’. As journalist, one should be objective and make statements that have substance and are coherent, not vulgar and irrelevant. Lets enjoy soccer, baseball, water polo and even figure skating.

THE BIG Z PLAYS IN THE MLS

"Z'' head-to-head with Toronto striker Jeff Cunningham

Chicago native, Cesar "Z" Zambrano played his first official Major League Soccer game vs. Toronto FC (L 1-3) June 14, 2008.

Quentin for President

Why has Major League Baseball refused to add Carlos Quentin to the 2008 All-Star ballot? Quentin, is guiding the White Sox with his slugger performance and is fourth in the American League with (17) home runs and (56)RBIs. Quentin is one of the main reasons the White Sox are in first place. However, Derek Jeter and David Ortiz are leading the way with the All-Star votes. Ortiz is on the 15-day DL and Jeter has (4)HR and 31RBIs . Why does MLB "choose" the players who will be on the ballot?
That's the problem with this country! Government agencies and private entities choose what we watch, read, and even think. 'They will make the right decision for us'. Let's just get our beer and dog and watch a fun All-Star game. As a baseball fan, I don't want to vote for a guy who has not proven to be an All-Star this season. I'm not asking for Quentin to be added to the presidential ballot, just for him to be given the opportunity to be part of history.

More importantly, as a proactive American I want to choose my player--I deserve that right! Therefore, MLB, change the ballot and allow baseball fans the right to "rock" their vote. Thank you!

Mexico and USA on Father's Day

On Father's Day, I spent the afternoon with my dad, dividing our time watching Mexico vs. Belize and USA vs. Barbados. However, it wasn't the happiest of days for my father, who cringed and blasted the Aztecs with bulgar Spanish words. I don't blame him, Mexico had a hard time scoring in the game. There was no process, imagination, or vision from los mexicanos. However, things were different for the "gringos" who made it look easy. I'm not a negative person but, if this continues it could be possible la seleccion will watch the World Cup 2010, rather than play in the tournament.

Del Negro is right fit

What has Vinny Del Negro got himself into? My only conclusion, it's a win-win situation for the rookie coach. If he has a terrible 2008-09 season, he can say the Bulls did not give him the talent to be successful. However, if he wins he will get a contract extension and applauded by Paxson and the funky bunch, who desperately need their team to win--Do or Die.
Let's be serious, why would anyone be surprised about this move, it's typical Chicago sports management. D'Antoni and Brown are only two premier coaches who were part of the primary list of candidates, to run with the Bulls yet, Chicago decided to snooze on the deal.
Are we going to see Chicago in the playoffs?
--Chances are slimmer than, a Slim Jim.
Will they win more than 50 games?
--Maybe, if Del Negro comes out of retirement and suits up in a Bulls uniform.
That is why, Del Negro is a perfect fit because, we are not seeing red but, negro (Spanish for the color black)--the Bulls can't see the light, only negro!
They saw negro when they fired Phil Jackson.

Zambrano Report

Colorado Rapids
Major League Soccer

Chicago native, Cesar Zambrano has not played in any first team games this year but, has played in 301 minutes in four Rapids reserves games, plus two minutes in the Open Cup "play-in" game at Los Angeles.

Dotel y Ozuna, dominicanos destacados con los White Sox

Octavio Dotel nació en República Dominicana y viene de una familia que le inculcó la importancia de seguir su sueño y enfrentar los obstáculos de la vida. Para Dotel, la muerte de su padre en 1993 fue una de las etapas más difíciles, ya que su padre nunca lo vio jugar en las Grandes Ligas. Sin embargo, gracias al apoyo e inspiración de su hermano, Ángel Dotel, el pitcher cumplió un gran sueño. Ahora, con sus paisanos Juan Uribe y Pablo Ozuna llegaron a Chicago con la meta de ganar todo y ser los estandartes del béisbol dominicano en el 'South Side' (lado sur) de la Ciudad de los Vientos.
"Comencé a jugar gracias a mi hermano. Te lo juro, nunca pensé en jugar a un nivel profesional. Mi país, es un país con tradición en este deporte. Viviendo en ese ambiente me apasioné con el juego y logre llegar aquí", dijo Dotel.
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/es/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080609&content_id=2876807&vkey=news_cws_es&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

Boicotear FMF: Justo y Necesario

¿Qué pasa con México?
Según los expertos, México es el papa de los pollitos en la CONCACAF. Según los expertos, México tiene el mejor fútbol en el continente americano. Pero, la actuación que dio contra la poderosa albiceleste esta semana demostró varios puntos de discusión. Primero: Sin duda, México no llegó en su mejor momento, ya que los genios de la federación decidieron presentar a Eriksson como el nuevo entrenador de MX. No solo, fue una falta de respeto para la afición sino, para Jesús “Chucho” Ramírez.

Segundo: ¡Es oficial! El fútbol mexicano se encuentra en una crisis total. Olvídate de echarle la culpa a X jugar o entrenador…El fútbol, como el deporte nacional esta en decadencia—el llano en llamas. Como es posible que Estados Unidos empate con Argentina y México se vio como unos llaneros o como dicen en ingles—CHUMPS.

Por lo tanto, he decidido boicotear a la Federacion Mexicana de Futbol (FMF), hasta que demuestren mejor futbol y sus directivos tengan un respeto por los jugadores, entrenadores, aficion y su pais. No estoy encontra de Eriksson, ya que es un de los mejores entrenadores del mundo y se ve como un buen tipo. Mi boicot no tiene nada con el, sino que "ya fue mucho", porque la aficion mexicana es la mejor del continente americano y lo hago porque quiero ver buen futbol. Que no se diga, "si se puede" sino "se pudo".

Mi familia y yo decidimos no ir al partido de Mexico en Chicago, ahorrándonos $500.00 US (comida, boletos,estacionamiento, playeras, cerveza). Ademas, no tengo planes de comprarle a mi papa la chamarra o playera de la selección para el Dia de los Padres--otro ahorro de $190.00. Un total de $690.00, en solo una semana...Como dicen en Mexico: "con dinero baila el perro". Imaginate, si la gente en el D.F. boicoteara por un dia a la FMF.

(Me sirvio de algo, mi trabajo con el Gobierno del Estado de Illinois-jajaj)

USA...USA...USA

USA vs. England 2008

The US Men's National Soccer Team got shut-down during their visit in Europe. Unfortunately, not what we expected, from an American team with a list of players abroad. Yet, not all is lost USA fans! Remember, they got a chance to play some of the best teams/players in the world.
I think 3 goals against is better than 10 or 20, which would of been the result back in the '80s.
Compared to our neighbors in the CONCACAF region like, Mexico who is playing Peru , Ecuador, and Argentina (the only respectable team), the US is improving their style of play by playing the "big boys". I remember my dad telling me "the only way you get better at soccer is play with older kids" (I didn't listen, that's why I'm a sports reporter). However, the US is following that advice and it will pay-off in the end. Therefore, don't think this is a bad result, USA is on the right track.

The Big Z from Chicago

Cesar Zambrano during Rapids pre-season match

The Zambrano Family at the Colorado Rapids vs. Chicago Fire game

I'm very proud of getting the opportunity to write a story about Cesar Zambrano being selected in the 2008 Major League Soccer Draft by the Colorado Rapids. "Z" became the first Latino from Chicago to play in the MLS. It finally happened! I remember playing amateur soccer in the CLASA League, and hearing everyone talk about "Cesar".
It was clear, the young player was bound for great things on -and-off the field.
I just hope more Latino kids from the inner-city realize one thing--"college is important".
This is not Latin America, you won't make it big with just some fancy moves. You need an education to play in The States. Learn from "Z", he went to college and is now an up-and-coming MLS soccer stud. Congrats Cesar! You make everyone in Chicago proud. Remember the next step is a World Cup!

http://www.coloradorapids.com/team/PlayerBio.aspx?PID=114

Aquired: Drafted by Colorado with the fifth selection (first round, fifth overall pick) in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft. Bio:
Cesar Zambrano finished his collegiate career at the University of Illinois-Chicago with 15 goals and 12 assists in three seasons for the Flames from 2005-2007. He served as a co-captain on a 2007 UIC side that advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS
As a senior in 2007, Zambrano led UIC with six goals, seven assists and 19 points…Was a 2007 NSCAA/adidas All-Great Lakes Region Second Team selection, a 2007 All-Horizon League First Team selection, and the 2007 Horizon League Tournament Most Valuable Player…In 2006, All-Horizon League and NSCAA/adidas All-Great Lakes Region Second Team honoree…Appeared in 16 matches, making 15 starts…Fourth on the team with 11 points on five goals and one assist…Scored UIC’s first goal in its NCAA Tournament win over Kosuke Kimura’s Western Illinois team on Nov. 11…All-Horizon League First Team selection in first season at UIC in 2005…Started 16 contests…Scored four goals and posted four assists for 12 points…Scored first collegiate goal in UIC’s season opener at then-No. 24 Loyola Marymount on Sept. 3…Named to the UC Irvine College Classic All-Tournament Team.

Marvin Sanchez, Orgullo Boricua en NIU

04/30/2008 4:30 PM ET
A jugar y disfrutar de la vida
Un joven local encuentra esperanza y paz con el béisbol
By César Rodríguez / especial para loswhitesox.com
Marvin Sánchez creció en Humboldt Park y de muy temprana edad conoció los golpes de la vida, ya que su comunidad carece de buenas escuelas e inundado de crimen y pandillas. Sin embargo, la vida lo prepararía para una de las experiencias mas escalofriantes: la matanza que ocurrió en el campus de Northern Illinois University (NIU) el 14 de febrero del 2008.
"Es algo que he dejado atrás y quiero enfocarme en jugar y disfrutar mi vida," dijo Sánchez.
En honor a las victimas, los White Sox organizaron un partido entre el equipo de baseball de NIU y la Universidad Notre Dame en U.S. Celluar Field en honor a los fallecidos. Allí, loswhitesox.com habló con Sánchez, quien vivió de cerca ese momento, pero gracias al béisbol ha podido superar el triste recuero. Para Sánchez los momentos importantes como cuando recibió su carta de aceptación de NIU es una anécdota que lo ayuda a seguir adelante.
"Recibí una nota y mi mama empezó a llorar. Luego leí la carta y la firme. Yo sabia que alguien me iba a escoger nunca perdí la esperanza".
El joven boricua se destacó en el preparatorio Roberto Clemente y fue elegido entre los mejores jugadores de Chicago.
"Marvin es uno de los mejores jugadores que he visto y no dudo que en poco tiempo vamos a verlo llegar muy lejos," aseguró Chris Hall, el entrenador de béisbol de Clemente.
Su talento lo ayudo a conseguir una beca con el equipo de NIU, convirtiéndose en el tercer estudiante de su escuela en jugar en la primera división colegial.
"Le tiene un amor al deporte desde chiquito, cuando perdían siempre lloraba, eso si, '' dijo la madre Marienjali Burgos.
La mamá del joven ilustre, lo motivó a conseguir su sueño y de seguir luchando, aunque encuentre barreras en el camino.
"Me enorgullece que mi hijo este aquí jugando y se que sus sueños se harán realidad, no lo dudo."
Como novato sus entrenadores han visto el gran talento que tiene el joven puertorriqueño y no dudan que en poco tiempo llegue a jugar profesional.
"Su defensa es impecable con un nivel de profesional. Tiene buen brazo y no dudo que llegue a las grandes ligas. Ya empezó a subir de peso y es un joven brillante, dice que quiere ser una estrella en el béisbol y lo académico. Mientras mejore su bateo y se adapte a la primera división creo que va tener mucho éxito." dijo el piloto de NIU Ed Mathey.
Aunque no ha tenido problemas en adaptarse al juego, Sánchez explicó que la experiencia de jugar en una escuela prestigiosa como NIU ha sido un proceso lento.
"Es algo difícil. Toda mi vida he jugado con latinos y soy el único latino en el equipo, pero me llevo bien con todos y somos buenos amigos. Voy estar bien."
Marvin sueña con algún día cumplir su meta de jugar en las grandes ligas y les recomienda a los jóvenes latinos que con esfuerzo y educación todo es posible.
Este artículo no era sujeto a la aprobación del Major League Baseball ni sus equipos

Roberto Clemente H.S. Baseball, Chicago's All-Stars

During the Northern Illinois University vs. Notre Dame game at U.S. Cellular Field, I met Roberto Clemente H.S. (RCHS) Baseball coach, Chris Hall. We talked about one of the latest talents from RCHS--NIU shortstop Marvin Sanchez. Hall mentioned the long list of players that had played at Roberto Clemente and received scholarships at Div.I-II-III universities. The kids can play!

Hall got the head coaching job, after volunteering and being an assistant for nearly five years. His first priority, was to implement an above average GPA and show the meaning of hard love. RCHS is located in Humboldt Park, a low-income, gang-drug infested neighborhood, where less than 50 percent of students are college bound. RCHS is developing some of the best talent in State of Illinois, yet the players come from low-income families, making it difficult to participate in tournaments, buy equipment, or focus on school. The sad part! Local business leaders and elected officials take no pride in helping these future sluggers. I hope my article can motivate these people to invest and support local talent. Also, Hall explained how the local media would not cover RCHS visit to Puerto Rico and meet the Clemente Family--tipical. Why???
I always read cookie cutter stories about suburban high schools in the local papers ! They say 'no' to a story with substance and a human interest angle-Yikes! Maybe, the reporter was scared of visiting RCHS!

Welcome-Bienvenido

Welcome!
This is the kick-off edition for the "C-Rod Blog"! As a sports aficionado, I will post weekly stories of my adventures in the sports world. Also, if you have a passion for local sports, my page will present stories on the up-and-coming stars del deporte. Please, feel free to leave your comments, suggestions, or rants.

Bienvenidos Blogeros!

Esta es la primera edición de mi pagina Blog, donde conocerán un poco de mi trabajo y aventuras como periodista deportivo. Aquí escribiré sobre lo más sobresaliente del deporte profesional y amateur. Por lo tanto, los invito que dejen sus comentarios, opiniones, críticas y saludos.