Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 4-9-21

Local
Belmont Heights Returns To Pre-COVID Joy With Baseball
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
Artis Gambrell, Assis- tant Principal at Carver - Mendez Exceptional Center and President of Belmont Height Little League, is eager to see the crowds return to watch baseball.
Belmont Heights Little League has a long and sto- ried history in American youth baseball. The program has been a beacon for many years and is a dynasty. Bel- mont Heights reached the Little League World Series in 1973, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1982. The program pro-
duced stars such as:
Derek Bell, Gary Sheffield, Dwight Gooden, Vance Lovelace, Floyd Youmans, Carl Everett, and Ty Griffin.
There were some tough years too, but Belmont Heights is still standing strong and still providing structure and guidance for young people.
They were shut down on last year on March 13, 2020 due to COVID. Gambrell spoke to City Council mem- ber Orlando Gudes and State Representative Di- anne Hart about the pan- demic and the three decided
ARTIS GAMBRELL ... Presi- dent of Belmont Heights Little League
it would be best for the Bel- mont Heights program. The
City of Tampa officially locked down everything a week later.
Gambrell began working with the city to reopen. The uniforms from last year had never been opened, saving the cost of new uniforms. Parents that paid registration last year were not required to pay for this year.
Sponsorships have been difficult this year. The special All-Star uniforms still must be purchased for all five teams. Those interested in sponsoring All-Star uniforms and fees can come out to the games and see Gambrell in person.
The baseball games are on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday starting at 6:45 p.m. On Saturday, the games run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Gambrell says that he thinks after this year, Bel- mont Heights Little League will be back on solid ground.
Gambrell is enthusiastic about this year. With the larger crowds and limited ac- cess to other activities, Gambrell thinks the com- munity officers could also be positive influence and dis- courage people from disrupt- ing such a positive experience.
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