Boys & Girls Club: CC Sabathia from VIA WESTWARD on Vimeo.

Cuba Gooding, Jr., Grammy Winner Ne-Yo, American Ballet Star Misty Copeland, Yankees’ CC Sabathia Among Nine Former Boys & Girls Club Members to be Inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame

Inductees, Including Award-Winning Actors, Athletes, Entertainers, Activists & Military Hero, Will be Honored During BGCA’s National Conference in San Diego

Nine former Boys & Girls Club members turned super stars and outstanding leaders from across the country will be inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) 22nd Annual National Hall of Fame during a special ceremony in San Diego — site of the organization’s 106th National Conference.

The list reads like a veritable Who’s Who in America, including Academy Award Winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., American Ballet star Misty Copeland, Native American advocate Ernest Stevens, Jr., Grammy winner Ne-Yo and baseball star, CC Sabathia. The common denominator shared by all – the positive influence of a Boys & Girls Club and their respective contributions to society as adult professionals.

Inductees:

* Cuba Gooding Jr., Academy Award-winning actor with an upcoming new Fox
TV series, “Guilty”
* Ne-Yo, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter
* CC Sabathia, New York Yankees star pitcher, 5 time MLB All-Star, 2007 Cy Young
* David Lindsay-Abaire, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (“Rabbit Hole”)
* Powers Boothe, Emmy-winning actor (Fox series “24″)
* Misty Copeland, soloist, American Ballet Company
* Anthony Lee Ervin, winner of seven NCAA swimming titles and a 2012 Olympic contender
* Ernest Stevens Jr., National Congress of American Indians leader/advocate
* Major General Darren W. McDew, Commander at Andrews Air Force Base

About the BGCA National Conference
As politicians, business leaders and concerned citizens continue to ponder the escalating levels of violence and alienation among today’s young people, more than 2,200 youth workers and volunteers gather in San Diego to search for answers. BGCA’s National Conference will take an in-depth look at how issues including dropout factories, bullying, financial illiteracy, childhood obesity and unemployment are placing all youth are at risk — along with America’s one-time competitive edge.

Watch the video here.

By Rich Freedman

Vallejo Times Herald, Sunday, March 11, 2012

To historians, 1993 is a mere blink in time. To Stephen Eriksen, it almost seems like an eternity — at least when it comes to comparing student attitudes at Vallejo High School. That was the year of Eriksen’s graduation. Now, 19 years later, the 36-year-old father of two kids walks around and hears the comments. And he’s not happy, which is one reason why the program director for CC Sabbathia’s PitCCh In Foundation started “The Source” and relocated his office into a former weight room in the East Gym.

The student inspired logo!

“Some of these kids don’t understand what a special place this is,” Eriksen said. “I know they’re dealing with challenges that we, as kids, never had to face. But this is supposed to be a great time in their lives.” “The Source” can be used as a study hall, computer lab, and a chance for students to sign up as foundation interns where they not only learn about sports marketing, but business and community involvement. The project is patterned after the successful Bergen Family Center’s “Zone” in Englewood, N.J.

“This classroom is not going to change everything. Not at all,” Eriksen said. “But it will help one, maybe two, maybe a bunch of kids.”

Ziel Davis and Nic Pitts @ The Source @ VHS.

Two seniors, Ziel Davis and Nick Pitts, are two interns who believe in “The Source.” Pitts used his nearly Barry White-like baritone to do the voice-over for a video of Sabathia’s life and career. “When Nick first came here, he didn’t say much but he knew he had the cool voice,” said Eriksen, proud that Pitts took the script home, worked on pronunciations, and “nailed it” after only two or three takes in an Oakland recording studio. Admittedly “a little nervous,” at the start, Pitts said he got it down quickly. “I got into the studio and did my job,” he said. “It was a simple task.” His immediate reaction when seeing the finished product? “Wow, that’s my voice,” he said. “I knew I could do it.”

The Sabathia promotional video is worthy of attention off campus, said Pitts, who understands the importance of his labor. “It means getting into the community and bringing attention not just to the school but to Vallejo,” he said. “We’re not just this little school. We can be somebody and go places if you follow the education and dreams and give people a chance.” Pitts realizes his deep voice may be his meal ticket after VHS. “Ever since I was 10, I’ve had this deepness in my voice and it kept getting deeper,” he said. “My voice is going to do some things, I believe. As long as I keep talking.” Born in Richmond but raised in Vallejo, Pitts said he “met and shook hands” with Sabathia, who applauded the senior’s work. “He said, ‘Who is that kid?’ ” smiled Pitts.

While Pitts’ voice is the talk of the PitCCh In video, it’s Davis’ volunteer work that keeps Eriksen grinning. The teen track star and leadership student is pivotal in helping CC and Amber Sabathia’s annual Christmas Caravan in Vallejo. “She brings such enthusiasm to everything,” Eriksen said. “She’s always willing to help out. She represents not only the city but Vallejo High School very well.” The foundation, said Davis, “gives me the opportunity to help out my community and I like to be able to be around somebody so big (Sabathia) in the public eye who comes back and helps this small community.” Davis said she enjoys The Source because it’s a place for peace. “It’s like a quiet away from the negativity around campus,” she said. “It can be a good way for people to get away.” VHS varsity baseball coach Josh Ramos said The Source is a positive campus addition. “I’m just glad he has a place on campus that can affect a lot of kids,” Ramos said. “Whatever they have to do, special projects, homework, they can come here. I think it’s great.”

While providing “an additional source” for sports, business and academic pursuits, Eriksen said he’s also trying to instill self-esteem and gratitude in contemporary high school students.

Between the foundation projects and work experience, Eriksen believes he can help students head in the right direction. A monthly talk by someone locally who has succeeded will inspire, he said, with former UCLA and 49er receiver J.J. Stokes and TV broadcaster Cheryl Hurd already in the mix. “We want to impress upon the kids that there’s no reason they can’t see the sky’s the limit,” Eriksen said. “We need to figure out a way to connect with kids across the board.”

Catch Ziel Davis at a VHS Track meet this season and watch Nic’s video below!

Amber and friends!

Foundation Executive Director Amber Sabathia made a special visit to the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, New Jersey on March 1st.

The rich tradition of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark spans over 70 years and is represented by a very special place where girls and boys can learn, play, & experience many wonderful life lessons.

The mission of the Club is to provide opportunities for youth that empower them to succeed and excel as contributing members of society. This is accomplished by providing a safe environment where programs develop life skills, values, character and leadership, thereby helping young people realize their individual potential.

Amber was greeted by Club members, staff, and given an all-access tour of the Clubs facility & programs.  Guided by two Club members, the tour included a showcase of wonderful music, artwork, and creative designs.  Amber was also shown the many resources the facility offers including counseling, career/college planning, health, and nutrition.

Following a special performance of poetry and singing, Amber addressed the group and shared her childhood story and important positive choices that she made as a youth.  She then presented a donation check of $25,000.00 to loud cheers from all in attendance.

A very special thanks to Club Director Shavorda Baskerville, the Governing Board, PwC, the staff and all the amazing kids of the Club!

Check out exclusive photos of Amber’s visit online at Bergen.com

An original poem by Ade K.

I’ve seen the struggle through my own eyes,

I’ve had friends that I’ve lost but still survived,

With every problem that faced me, I made the most,

I was thankful for all I have that’s why I never boast,

When it comes to giving back, I always give it my all,

Whether it’s hanging out or playing some ball,

I always give it my all whenever I put in,

Whether it’s in pinstripes or when I PitCCh In.

Denzel Washington.

“The Hurricane,” “Training Day,” “Man on Fire,” “American Gangster,” and just this year – “Safe House.” Denzel Washington is one of CC’s favorite actors.

Born in Mount Vernon, New York, Washington was an active participant at the MV Boys Club.  After High School, he first attended Texas Tech before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University.  From there – one of the biggest actors of our time would set out on an amazing journey.

The 80s and 90s saw such great work in films like “Philadelphia,” “Crimson Tide,” and “The Preacher’s Wife” alongside the late Whitney Houston.  Denzel also took sports-related roles in a solid film alongside NBA player Ray Allen in “He Got Game.”

In 2000, Denzel  appeared in the Disney film “Remember the Titans,” which grossed over $100 million at the United States box office.  A series of impressive performances continues with “Out of Time,” “Inside Man,” “The Taking of Pelham 123.” And “Déjà  Vu” with Jodie Foster.

In addition to his great work on the big screen, Denzel is also a big supporter and national spokesperson for the Boys and Girls Club of America.  He supports numerous programs for youth, theater and arts, and special causes throughout the world.

Along with starring in sports movies, Denzel  is also the father of a professional football player. John David Washington was a star athlete at Morehouse College and went on to play for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams.

Did you Know?

Gregory Allen Howard

The film “Remember the Titans” was written by Vallejo native Gregory Allen Howard whom, like CC, attended Loma Vista Elementary and Solano Junior High School.

Learn more about Greg’s projects here.

Spike Lee - An American Icon!

Spike Lee is an American icon and one of CC’s favorite Directors.

He was born in Atlanta, Georgia and began making amateur films by age 20.  His first major motion picture, the 1986 release – “She’s Gotta Have It” put Spike on the map.  He would go on to direct such films as “Do the Right Thing”, “Malcolm X”, “Mo’ Better Blues”, “Summer of Sam”,“She Hate Me”, and more recently “Inside Man” – a thrilling bank caper starring Denzel Washington and Clive Owen.

Lee has also had success in directing television commercials. Some of the best sports commercials of the early 1990′s featured Spike as “Mars Blackmon” opposite Michael Jordan in Nike’s Air Jordan campaign – “Do You Know?” These adds helped define both the Nike brand and the cultural phenomenon of athletic shoes. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, is located in his childhood neighborhood of Fort Green in Brooklyn.

Today, Spike Lee continues to create films that explore provoking topics like race, politics, and violence.  These films bring more than entertainment to theater screens, they also bring people together.

He is also an avid Knicks, Giants and Yankees fan who can be seen at games in New York throughout the year.

Check out the videos!

#34 on the mound at the Oakland Coliseum in 1989.

Dave Stewarts Major League career lasted 15 seasons and featured many 20-win seasons, a World Series MVP honor, two World Championship titles, and the nickname “Smoke” for his cool demeanor on the mound.  However a particular highlight that may not be in the record books plays a significant part in CC’s “off the field” philanthropic efforts.

In the Spring of 1989, he made a special visit to the Continentals of Omegas Boys and Girls Club in Vallejo California to deliver a special message to a group of girls and boys.  During the afternoon visit, Dave made sure the share his knowledge and love for baseball as well as his respect for the communities and being a good person.  In that group was a nine year-old boy named CC Sabathia.

To this day, CC reflects back on that special visit and how a Major League Baseball player of African-American decent would take time to personally come to Vallejo.  It inspired CC back then and continues on as CC does his part to give pack to communities across the country.

On the mound, Stewart was best know for his years with the Oakland Athletics from 1987 to 1990 in which he notched 84 wins — all 20-victory seasons — and led the Athletics to three consecutive World Series appearances. In 1989, he notched 21 wins, two more in the American League Championship Series and two more in the World Series, winning the Series MVP award as the A’s captured their fourth Series championship in Oakland. Stewart left the A’s after the 1992 season for the Toronto Blue Jays winning 12 games for the Jays as they went on to win the 1993 Fall Classic.

Today, Dave Stewart continues to be involved with pro baseball as an agent.

A true symbol of sportsmanship and hero for world peace.

The 1936 Summer Olympics were held in Berlin, Germany. Adolf Hitler intended to show the world a resurgent Nazi Germany. Instead, the Games were all about sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens.

The son of a sharecropper – and grandson of a slave – Owens took the world by storm, winning four gold medals in the 1936 Games. Owens dominated the 100-meter, 200-meter and long jump and was part of the men’s 4×100-meter relay team.

Owen’s name is actually James Cleveland Owens (or “J.C.”). When he was nine years old, his teacher asked what his name was. When Owens replied “J.C.” with his southern accent, his teacher misinterpreted it for “Jesse.” And the name stuck ever since.

He began making rumblings in the track and field world when he equaled the world record in the 100-yard dash and long jump – while he was in high school. Representing East Technical High School in Cleveland, Owens ran the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds and jumped 24 feet, nine-and-a-half inches in the 1933 National High School Championships in Chicago.

He attended Ohio State University, where he won a record eight individual NCAA championships. He also set a world record in the long jump on May 25, 1935. The record would stand for 25 years.

Before the start of the 1936 Games, Owens became the first African-American to receive a sponsorship deal when he was approached by Adidas founder Adi Dassler. At the Games, Owens surprised many with his four gold medals. It wouldn’t be duplicated until 1984, when Carl Lewis won gold in the same events in the 1984 Olympics.

During his post-Olympic career, Owens traveled the world as a motivational speaker. He was also a public relations consultant to many organizations, including the International Olympic Committee.

Owens died in 1980 from lung cancer. Just before his death, he had pleaded with President Jimmy Carter not to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics, saying that the Games should be a break from war and politics.

Though Owens’ pleas were unsuccessful, President Carter saw Owens as a symbol of hope and pride.

“Perhaps no athlete better symbolized the human struggle against tyranny, poverty and racial bigotry,” President Carter said. “His personal triumphs as a world-class athlete and record holder were the prelude to a career devoted to helping others. His work with young athletes, as an unofficial ambassador overseas, and a spokesman for freedom are a rich legacy to his fellow Americans.”

"Sweetness" made several memorable runs on Sundays at Soldier Field.

You might think that a man called “Sweetness” isn’t that tough. In Walter Payton’s case you’d been wrong. The man, who once held NFL records in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, rushing attempts, yards from scrimmage and all-purpose yards, was anything BUT sweet on the football field.

Payton’s motto was “Never Die Easy”. His coach at Jackson State taught ball carriers to refuse to run out of bounds to avoid being hit. Instead, you deliver a little “Sweetness” to would-be tacklers and let them drive you out of bounds, if they can.

As incredible a player as Payton turned out to be, he didn’t even play football until his junior year in high school. It was said that Walter didn’t want to compete with his older brother, Eddie, who was the star of the team. (Eddie also played in the NFL) And even after Eddie left, playing on the team was no guarantee. Payton made the coach promise to let him continue playing drums in the high school band.

That year Payton attended John J. Jefferson School. The next year he attended Columbia High School. Why the change? Columbia, Mississippi officially ended segregation in 1971.

Some were still unhappy about the arrangement, but Payton led the team to an 8-2 record. The best in school history and winning changed some attitudes.

Despite great promise Payton received no scholarship offers from any southern conference universities. In one of his books, Payton said those schools did not recruit very many black players. Payton ended up attending Jackson State, in Jackson Mississippi. He played with future NFL’ers Jerome Barkum, Robert Brazile and Jackie Slater.

Walter wore out the league. Payton rushed for more than 3,500 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

He also rushed for 65 touchdowns, and set an NCAA record.

In 1975, Payton graduated from Jackson State with a B.A. in Communications.

What big colleges had missed out on, back in the early ‘70’s, the NFL would not. The Chicago Bears took Payton with the fourth overall pick. (Robert Brazile was taken two picks later what a team that must have been) Payton’s first year on a bad team wasn’t that productive. He rushed for 679 on 196 attempts.

In 1976, Payton wrote a completely different story. Payton rushed for more than 1,000 years and scored 17 touchdowns. His durability would be his trademark. Payton took a handoff a league leading 311 times. Payton made the pro bowl and was first team all-pro that year.

But 1977 was Payton’s breakout year.

He led the league in attempts (339), rushing yards (1852), rushing TD’s (14), yards per rushing attempt, (5.5), and rushing yards per game (132.3). Payton was also the NFL Offensive Player of the year, and the NFL Associated Press MVP.

As usual with a great player the stats don’t always tell the whole story. In addition to “Never Die Easy,”

Payton had style. (I’m not just talking about the time he finished 2nd in the Soul Train dance contest)

He used a high-kick stutter step he when it appeared he was cornered. Payton would slow as he approached the tackle trap, and one of his legs would extent at a right angle to his body. Walter was setting up his prey for a, ‘jock leaving behind’ juke. Usually, the defense looks at ball carriers as prey, with Payton and his never die easy attitude, he was the lioness. (The King of the jungle doesn’t hunt, the Queen does)

In a book published posthumously titled Never Die Easy, Payton called his set-up a stutter step. Once the defender committed to an angle based on Walter’s step, he would simply move in the other direction.

Payton’s crowning achievement with the Bears was winning Super Bowl XXIV over the New England Patriots. The team also made, what is believed to be, the first music video called “The Super Bowl Shuffle.” The victory came in the twilight his career, as 1987 was his last in the NFL.

Almost immediately following football, Payton parleyed his brand into a number of different business ventures. He became co-owner of Dale Coyne Racing of the IndyCar World Series, and actually drove in several Trans-Am events. Payton and several business partners bought a string of restaurants that became known as Walter Payton’s roadhouse.

The end came too soon for “Sweetness.”

In 1999, Payton announced he had a rare liver disease. He died in November of that year. His announcement ended months of speculation about Payton’s health. In the months leading up to the disclosure, Payton had experienced a dramatic decline in weight.

But in death, Payton was able to have a positive impact on the local organ donor program. Even though his disease could not be cured with a liver transplant, Payton spent the last few months of his life advocating for organ donation.

In response, the City of Chicago inserted organ donation requests into city-vehicle-registration mailings in early 2000, and, by August 2000, 13,000 people had signed on to the program.

Walter Payton was an inspiration in life and in death. There are conflicting stories about why Walter Payton was nicknamed “Sweetness,” but now most of us might agree the reason was his giving nature.

Joe Louis paved the way for some of this centuries great African-American boxers.

Before there was Joe Frazier, George Foreman or even Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis paved the way for all of them.

Known as the “Brown Bomber” in the boxing ring, Louis is one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. He held the heavyweight title from 1937 to 1949. He was successful in 25 title defenses. His reign and consecutive titles defenses are still records in the heavyweight division.

Establishing a reputation as an honest hardworking fighter, Louis helped bring boxing out of corruption at a time when the sport was dominated by gambling and fixed matches. Louis was 69-3 with 57 knockouts.

His momentum was only interrupted when he voluntarily enlisted as a private in the Army in 1942 during World War II. Louis never saw combat, but shared pleasantries with would-be legends Jackie Robinson and Sugar Ray Robinson while in the military. Louis was a popular figure in the army and would be used in its recruiting campaigns. By the time he was released from service in 1945, he was a Sargeant.

Louis returned from service and fought 15 more bouts; he went 13-2 in those fights and finally retired from boxing in 1951. He died in 1981 of a heart attack at the age of 66.

Though he was born in Alabama, he was considered the pride of Detroit, where he spent most of his life. The iconic Monument to Joe Louis (a large sculpture of Louis fist) was dedicated in 1986. And the Joe Louis Arena, home of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, was dedicated in 1979.

In 1982, Louis was posthumously approved for the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award given to civilians by the U.S. legislative branch. And in 1993, Louis became the first boxer to be honored on a postage stamp.

Although Muhammad Ali is considered by many the greatest of all time, Ali named Louis as one of his biggest influences growing up.