White Sox supporting Jackie Robinson West

CHICAGO -- The White Sox have a direct connection to the Jackie Robinson West team from Chicago, currently taking part in the Little League World Series. Six of the players on that team also play for the White Sox Amateur City Elite baseball program -- Marquis Jackson, Ed Howard, Cameron Bufford, Brandon Green, Joshua Houston, and Trey Hondras.

But even without that tie-in, the White Sox would be supporting a young team that seemingly has galvanized the city.

"When we saw it happening, we know they would be a good team," said Kevin Coe, the White Sox director of youth baseball initiatives. "We didn't know they would be this good.

"We knew we would unite the community, but we've united the entire city."

Coe pointed out that Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Governor Pat Quinn and fans of all ages have been attending the packed viewing parties at Jackie Robinson Park for the contests involving Jackie Robinson West.

"Coming from such a violent community, for the community to unite in something positive is really awesome," Coe said.