On Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field, the Chicago White Sox organized a unique event to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the Amateur City Elite (ACE) program’s impact. Fifteen young African American baseball players attended the event. The ACE program was established in 2007 to provide support and resources for young black athletes aiming to succeed in baseball, as well as for their personal development.
ACE program participants are partnered with mentors and taught about mental health through talks, along with access to resources for ACT preparation. The program’s signing day took place in November. However, the organizers planned an additional event that included surprises such as an interactive Q&A session with assistant manager Josh Barfield and a dinner with the student-athletes and their loved ones.
Since its inception, over 280 participants have been a part of the ACE program, with 29 alumni being selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
