Recently, I became involved with a little league on the east side of Houston. When my son asked me if he could play baseball I chose this little league because it was the one I played in when I was his age. It is the Magnolia National Little League, located at Hildago park.
Needless to say this little league services many children whose families are not of means. The good folks that manage the league have done their best to not turn kids away, but as you can imagine, many have to sit out the season while their friends play. The numbers this year were about 30 percent of applicants could not afford the $75 fee. The league sponsored roughly 5 percent. I was there when these kids received their new uniforms; cap, shirt, pants and belt. Their beaming smiles and excitement were bittersweet to me because the other 25 percent were not playing.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to when I was talking to my good friend, Roy Garivey, about my desire to help more kids play ball. We both came up with the concept of a golf tournament with proceeds going toward field renovation and sponsorships. Roy’s organization, National Latino Peace Officer Association, would host the event.
My desire to help is twofold. First, it was the first park I ever got to play in after moving out of Clayton Homes. Up to that point I had not known what it was like to play with other kids until just before dusk. Growing up in Clayton Homes meant you stayed behind locked doors most of the time. I remember how important it was to me to be able to play with my friends, to be a part of a team full of comradery – such as it is at that age. Second, I recently took a big picture look at why Republicans like me are not well received in these parts. My best guess is that we are not known for the good deeds we do in these communities. We need to do a better job at community building in areas like the East End of Houston before we can ask for votes. Is there a better way to show we care than helping kids play ball? My proposal is this: come out and play golf. Let’s have a good time on the links and give back to the community at the same time. After we make this a success, let’s find another way to help out these communities. When we are done with that let’s move on to the next thing, and then the next because it is the right thing to do. First and foremost, we will all reap the benefits of stronger kids and communities, no doubt there. Little by little we will also be regaining the credibility that we need to turn things around.
Please come out and join me for the golf, food, prizes, and fun. Four man scramble:
First Annual Magnolia Youth Baseball Golf Tournament
Sunday May 26th 2013
Country Place Golf Club
3123 Flower Field Lane Pearland, TX 77584
Four Man Scramble, 8 am Shotgun Start
Contact: Joe Ablaza to get registered. 713.906.3036
[email protected]
Rhymes With Right says
I think the biggest point you have made is that we are not known for what we do for and in those communities. I teach in a high school that is over 90{997ab4c1e65fa660c64e6dfea23d436a73c89d6254ad3ae72f887cf583448986} Hispanic and over 75{997ab4c1e65fa660c64e6dfea23d436a73c89d6254ad3ae72f887cf583448986} low income. Given that my field is social studies (and among my classes are American Government), questions of policy and politics come up on a regular basis. Imagine the surprise of many of my students when they find out that I am a Republican — indeed, a precinct chair. After all, they have been told that Republicans are anti-Hispanic. That may or may not lead to an immediate reevaluation of whatever political beliefs they have at this point in their lives, but I know that it has led many of them to reconsider the prejudice they have against Republicans generally.
Democrats know this. That is a big reason a group of them pushed to get me fired from my job several years ago (fortunately my principal and superintendent stood firm for my civil rights). That also explains this effort (http://rhymeswithright.mu.nu/archives/310342.php) several years ago by an activist Democrat who was ultimately elected to the State Democrat Executive Committee (before resigning after creating a national controversy — http://rhymeswithright.mu.nu/archives/335732.php). After all — allowing Republicans to be seen as anything other than demons by minorities and the poor will undermine decades of Democrat class warfare.
Philip Owens says
Ive met this group and the peope invoved with the the Maganola National Little league. They are doing great things in their community and Joe is right if we want to grow the brand we must first earn thier trust that require a personal investment. If our values really mean anything we should live them, this is the prefect chance for private citiziens to searve a purpose where government has failed.
Tony Garza says
Mr Ablaza,
I have been going to Settegast Park as an Ambassador for the Republican Hispanic Citizens in Action I have events planned for Hidalgo , De Zavala and Settegast Parks. All benefits to go towards certain upgrades , I have spoken with the Park Director and she is willing to come aboard on my plans please view the following link and get in touch with me . Maybe we can help each other.. http://www.facebook.com/groups/95178529236/
Joe Ablaza says
Indeed Rhymes With Right, we are not known for our good deeds despite the fact that they exist. The only thing to do is to keep up the momentum. At some point we will cross the threshold. Tony, I am reaching out. In the meantime I urge you both to sign up to swing a stick!