HOUSTON \u2013 Baseball is huge in the Houston area. <\/p>\n
Every weekend there are hundreds of teams consisting of thousands of kids playing tournaments. <\/p>\n
When the Texas Monarchs take the field it\u2019s a bit different. The squad of 13-year-olds play not only to win but also with meaning written across their chest, \u201cA statement about history,\u201d said Blake Overstreet.<\/p>\n
The name on their jerseys is a throwback to Negro Leagues Baseball and the legendary Kansas City Monarchs squad. <\/p>\n
When asked if baseball is a game or if it\u2019s an education because of their name, Ryan Oliver did not hesitate, \u201cEducation because I\u2019m playing for this team too, but I\u2019m still learning about the Monarchs too.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team was founded by Brian Overstreet who wanted to use baseball for a different purpose in life, \u201cBaseball is just a vehicle that we are using to help and build in the community,\u201d said Overstreet.<\/p>\n
Coach Michael Jonkins wanted to lead the squad from its beginnings for the purpose of teaching history while salvaging it as youth baseball has seen a massive decline in the black community, \u201cIt\u2019s huge, because what is going on, is everything is spreading out towards the suburbs towards the outside parts of the city. So what I did years ago was I came back into the inner city and uplift through free camps and dedicated to keep the baseball game going,\u201d said Jonkins.<\/p>\n
When asked how many of his players would not be playing baseball if it wasn\u2019t for the Monarchs? \u201cRight now we have a team of 13, so you probably would have three kids that would keep playing. Maybe you\u2019d be missing out on ten kids who wouldn\u2019t be playing.\u201c <\/p>\n
That\u2019s right 76% of the team would not be playing.<\/p>\n
The team has tournament baseball this weekend in our area before heading off to Kansas City for Memorial Day weekend and a big regional tournament.<\/p>\n
The highlight won\u2019t be on the field for all instead it will be visits to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum as well the Brown vs. Board of Education Museum in nearby Topeka, \u201cI want them to tap into who they are. So hopefully that can help them aspire to move forward in the future, my goal is to always teach them so they can keep the game going. If I help you, you\u2019ll help 1000, to help 1000,\u201d said Jonkins. <\/p>\n
I have to admit that I have had front row seats with this team for a handful of weekends as they invited my son to pitch for them. <\/p>\n
In the end, this journalist and junior stumbled on one of the best baseball stories the Houston area has to offer. 2 Helps You needs your help for more Friday stories like these where the community is helping the community. <\/p>\n