D.C. Little League Team Makes History with Champinship Win
The Mamie Johnson Little League team is now the first all-African American team to win D.C.’s Little League championship. In the 31-years of league history, the feat became accomplished this week.
This past Tuesday, Mamie Johnson defeated Capitol Hill Little League, 14-7, to claim the title. They will now advance to the regionals which start next month in Bristol, Connecticut.
The team started in 2015 and pays homage to the late Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. Johnson was the first woman pitcher in the Negro Leagues.
Made up of mostly 12- and 13-year-olds, the team knows they have a tough challenge ahead for next month’s regional tournament. Mamie Johnson took no delay and started preparing the next day for the tournament.
According to the Mamie Johnson Little League website, the team’s goal is to “provide youth with a safe, fun and family-oriented program that demonstrates the ideals of good sportsmanship, character, teamwork, courage, and respect.”
Coach Keith Barnes said, “Keeping them off the streets is paramount. I think this gives them a great outlet. We not only stress baseball but education.”
“I didn’t understand it at first, now I like it,” third baseman Joshua Young said. Young hopes he can help lead his team to the Little League World Series and make history similar to what Mamie “Peanut” Johnson did over 60-years ago.
