Softball in Hard Times

At the Samuels Recreation Center in Port Richmond, John Wikiera and Tom Mack put away softball equipment into storage bins by the field. They pick up trash and debris from the field and do their best to neaten up the diamond. As volunteer coaches of Port Richmond teams, resources are scarce. But their optimism is unwavering.

"One of the boys on our team recently had his father pass away. John went out and bought him a glove with money out of his own pocket," says Tom, speaking of John.

The Port Richmond Tigers and The Leprechauns Sports Association are two of the once many, now few youth recreation clubs in Port Richmond. Due to lack of funds, these teams have been forced to rely on the kindness of area residents, donors, and sponsors to remain functioning. The teams travel to and from different parks and fields in the Port Richmond community, such as Cohox field with a famous twelve-foot tiger statue sitting at the doorway of the entrance into the recreation center. The statue is truly a tribute to the persevering spirit of Port Richmond.




Doanh Nghiem, & Jermar Perry
Group #7 Port Richmond