There’s no crying in baseball. . . until the season start is postponed, that is! The Chicago White Sox realizes that baseball taking a temporary hiatus has left some sad fans, so they’re easing the pain for their littlest loyalists with virtual activities and a chance to sign-up for a program that helps prevent that dreaded summer slide. Read on to see how to stay connected until you can take the family out to a ballgame again.
Jackie Robinson Video Contest
Have kids put their extra time at home to good use by entering the 5th annual Jackie Robinson video contest. Kids from Chicagoland and Indiana in grades 6-12 can let their creativity shine by submitting a video which highlights and inspiring man or woman who helped pave the way for African Americans in baseball.
Videos that include 1-3 people can be created with a cell phone, still images, hand puppets, drawings, animations or simply by speaking into the camera about a particular hero. The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. CST on Apr. 27. Check the website for detailed contest information and rules.
Southpaw Coloring Pages
Since June 13, 2004, the fuzzy, green creature of unidentifiable species that goes by the name Southpaw has been the White Sox mascot. He's 6'4", bats and throws as a lefty and weighs as much as 621 baseballs. He loves attending community events, even an occasional birthday party, so send any invites to 312-674-5312. You never know where he'll show (after we're finished sheltering, of course)! In the meantime, print off Southpaw's coloring pages and color the day away!
White Sox Crossword Puzzle
This one may be a bit tricky for younger kids, but the White Sox crossword puzzle makes for a fun family project! Sharpen those pencils and impress the kiddos with your Sox knowledge. Find and print the puzzle here.
Southpaw Paper Bag Puppet
Let Southpaw be the star of your family arts and crafts time! A paper bag, markers, pipe cleaners, tape, scissors and a silly imagination is all you need to bring the exuberant spirit of Southpaw to your crib. Find the puppet instructions here.
Listen to Player Walk-Up Music
How cool is this! You can find your favorite player and listen to which song they've chosen as their walk-up music. From Kanye West to Dierks Bentley, they cover the spectrum of genres. Take the fun even further and have your kids pick their own walk-up music!
Sign Up for Summer Sluggers
The Chicago White Sox has created the Summer Slugger program, a free online educational platform for kids ages 8-11 which uses baseball to help maintain math and literacy concepts. Each week, kids will complete a series of fun, baseball-themed math and literacy games which earn them rewards and help to reinforce physical fitness and community involvement.
— Maria Chambers
photo: Courtesy of Chicago White Sox, unless otherwise noted
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