Harlem Little Leaguers at one of the league’s home ball park.  Here they are at Shea Field in Marcus Garvey Park on 121st.

The Harlem Little League has been an integral part of the Harlem community since it began in 1989.  The League was started by husband and wife Dwight and Iris Raiford.  This is a piece that examines the impact that the league has and has had on the Harlem community as wellthe League’s importance to child development.  We also look at the declining interest of baseball in the black community and the direct effect it has had on the Harlem Little League.  In the report we speak with Parents, coaches, league volunteers, players, and we here from a few New York Yankees from Old-Timers day talking about the declining interest of baseball in the black community.  Sit back and give it a listen.

Malcolm Decastro has been a devoted coach in the Harlem Little League since the beginning in 1989. This is him here taking an at-bat at the parents, coaches, volunteers softball game.

Parents taking photos of the kids during the all-star game. Proud parents and happy kids.

Harlem Little League All-Star Game on June 14th.

Cecil Fielder (45) has a son Price Fielder in the Major Leagues who is one of the League’s stars. At Old-Timers Day at Yankee Stadium he says a father’s role is very important for a child learning baseball.