Pleibol
Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month League Park 6601 Lexington Ave. - Cleveland September 8, 2023
Pleibol is a fundraising weekend filled with games, food, and festive celebrations. This event pays tribute to the profound impact of Black and Latino individuals on the world of baseball. Pleibol spans three days leading up to Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month; A Gala Dinner Friday Night, Community Games on Saturday and The Tournament on Sunday.
The goal is to honor the rich history of minorities in baseball while raising funds for two deserving organizations, Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center and Baseball Heritage Museum.
During the gala dinner, the attendees were entertained by The Latin Sounds of Justo. This video is part of their performance of the classic Cuban song Guantanamera.
The Latin Sounds of Justo
There was also dancing from young ladies from Julia de Burgos.
Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center Dancers
Gilberto Rivera, Project Manager for Julia De Burgos, served as MC for the event.
Gilberto Rivera and dancers
He welcomed the crowd and introduced Ricardo Rodriguez, Director of the Baseball Heritage Museum.
Ricardo Rodriguez
Then, attendees moved to the historic field. Ricardo Rodriguez introduced Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb who did the ceremonial first ever lighting of ballpark lights at the baseball diamond.
Mayor Justin Bibb
Attendees spent time on the historic field where August 11, 1929 Babe Ruth hit his 500th career home run and other memorable feats occurred.
Letitia Lopez, Julia de Burgos Executive Director
Mayor Bibb and Carlos Baerga
Ricardo Rodriguez
Barbara Danforth, Obie Shelton and Angela Woodson
Carlos Baerga and Julia de Burgos dancers
A few of the attendees ran the bases.
There was also a panel discussion about Hispanics and baseball that included Cleveland Indians great Carlos Baerga. Here are some of his comments.
Carlos Baerga on panel at League Park
Pleibol continued on Saturday and Sunday with field activities with the Cleveland Guardians and community games. The first game of the day was Classic Vintage Baseball. Sunday's tournament at League Park Field was a state wide competitive softball tournament where teams played to be crowned the 2023 Pleibol Tournament Champion.
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