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BY A. RENEE’ GODWIN PHOTOS BY JOE
Belmont Heights is some- times called: the field for dreamers, the diamond of success, and the sanctuary for aspiring athletes.
In honor of the late Der- rick Leggett, the first an- nual Clean-Up day was led by Neighborhood Clean-Up Chairman, Marquis Hook, Sr., former baseball players, coaches, volunteers, and other pioneers of the field.
The purpose of the service project was to recognize Leggett of the baseball legacy, in addition, to prepar- ing the park for the upcom- ing baseball season.
Picking up trash was not the only landscaping duty of the alumni’s efforts, they added red clay to four fields, as well as reconstructed5 pitching mounds; and com- pleted the day with a com- munity cookout.
This event was a vital con- tribution to Belmont Heights.
There are forthcoming plans to place Derrick Leggett’s name on the press box.
Derrick was more than just a great athlete, but a giv- ing person who was very pas- sionate about coaching, volunteering, and mentoring. In truth, he was dependable and a valuable asset to the park.
Hook stated, “That we need to start believing in Bel- mont Heights Park again. We
It’s Com-Unity Time At Belmont Heights
B-CU Fall Commencement
Patricia Russell McCloud was the guest speaker last month when Bethune-Cookman University held its Fall Com- mencement. Tampa residents were among the graduates. (Pho- tos by Julia Jackson)
Mrs. Gina Sanders stands with her youngest son to graduate from B-CU. Jeramery Sanders joined his older sisters and brother as graduates: Brittani, 2013 and Tiphani, 2015 and Casey, 2016.
Proud mom graduated in 1983. She was the former Miss Bethune-Cookman, 1982 and Miss B-CU National Alumni in 2001.
Tampan Todd James was among the Fall graduates.
NBA Basketball Moms/B-CU Board Of Directors Mem- bers: Michelle Carter, left, (mother of Vince Carter); and Lu- cille O’Neal (mother of Shaquille O’Neal), right, with Linda Koldenhoven, Orlando.
Ocala twins who graduated, Renea and Reai Folson with David Lawson and Berry Jones.
need to show
support
through registering our kids.” Especially when so many of the prominent baseball lumi- naries were discovered here.
“Other efforts for the park include: the baseball chal- lenge by donating a twelve pack of diamond balls to the league.’’
“In order for us to move forward as a community we must start by taking time to give back to the common good of others. It is our social commitment to the commu- nity to bring awareness, en- couragement, support, above all unity.”
Flip Flipparrachhii Wilson, Artis Gambell, Marcus Leggett, and Marquis Hook, Sr. were at the event.
Jason Barton, Marcus Leggett, Michael Leggett, Michael Taylor, John Simpson, Kenny Marcus, Derrick Cousin, Roger Williams, Keith Lewis, Dexter Battle, Lonnie and Johnnie Bennefield, Nikia Knight, Rodney ‘Rated R’ Johnson, and Clay Brown were among those who helped clean up Belmont Heights Little League field.
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