OFFICIAL NEWS: Chicago White Sox celebrate their ‘ACE’ program in recognition of Black History Month.
Chicago – The Chicago White Sox honored Black History Month on Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field with a special ceremony that showcased the achievements of their Amateur City Elite (ACE) program.
At the event were fifteen up-and-coming African American baseball players. Founded in 2007, the ACE program offers opportunities for broader personal development along with mentoring to young black athletes who want to excel in baseball.
Participants in the ACE program are paired with mentors, engage in discussions on mental health, and have access to ACT prep resources. Although the program’s signing day occurred in November, organizers arranged an additional event featuring surprises such as a Q&A session with assistant manager Josh Barfield and dinner with the student-athletes and their families.
Sir Jamison Jones is currently ranked the 5th overall player in Illinois and the 14th catcher in the country.
“I consider the coaches fathers,” Jones said when speaking about the benefits of the ACE program.
Statistics show about 7% percent of MLB players are Black. These athletes are working to change that narrative.
Since its inception, the ACE program has seen more than 280 participants, with over 29 ACE alumni selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
