Resolution 180270

..Title Recognizing the Taney Youth Baseball Association on the Occasion of its 25th Season. ..Body WHEREAS, Taney Youth Baseball Association is a youth baseball, softball, and tee-ball league that was founded in 1994 by a group of six South Philadelphia neighbors dedicated to bringing baseball back to areas of the City that no longer had access to the sport; and WHEREAS, The league began at Taney Field in Markward Recreation Center and served roughly 180 children during its first season. Over the past 24 seasons, Taney Youth Baseball Association has spread out across its South Philadelphia neighborhood and throughout the City, and will enroll more than 1,000 participants for its 25th season; and WHEREAS, Taney Youth Baseball is dedicated to developing not only the athletic skills of its players but also to fostering "good sportsmanship and teamwork over competition and wins and losses." This focus has created a unique community among Taney's players, coaches, and volunteers; and WHEREAS, Before the league's 20th season, in 2013, the Taney Youth Baseball Association joined the National Little League Organization. The very next season, in 2014, the Taney Dragons made local and national news with their run to the Little League World Series semifinal game; and WHEREAS, Behind talented pitcher Mo'ne Davis, who became the first African-American girl to play in the Little League World Series, the 2014 Taney Dragons gained fans across the region and were welcomed home to Philadelphia on August 27, 2014, with a parade through Center City and a special ceremony to open that night's Phillies game; and WHEREAS, The Taney Youth Baseball Association has always maintained focus on its goal of providing Philadelphia's youth with a positive outlet for their energy and talent. Programs like Taney Youth Baseball truly build stronger neighborhoods and more engaged citizens, and the City of Philadelphia is proud to be the Organization's home; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize the Taney Youth Baseball Association and join the league in celebration of its 25th season. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Taney Youth Baseball Association as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. ..End