2 Men Step Up, Make Sure Kids In Rough Neighborhood Can Play Ball
By Tom Mustin
DENVER (CBS4) - Baseball season almost never happened for a group of kids in one Denver neighborhood. It's a part of town that might need youth sports the most, so two men stepped up and made sure the kids could play ball.
The crack of baseball bats echoed outside of Denver's Swansea Rec Center.
"It's a rough neighborhood, but there are good people here," Coach Jason Dycus told CBS4's Tom Mustin.
The Police Activity League Chargers practice in the shadow of gang graffiti and poverty. The 7- and 8-year-olds hustle around the bases, dreaming of major league glory, forgetting for a few hours about their lives outside the field.
"This is what gives them a chance to hope that there's something else to look forward to," said Dycus.
Dycus works in a law office. He grew up in the Swansea neighborhood and played for the Chargers as a child.
"If it wasn't for sports I wouldn't be where I'm at today," he said.
Last month he heard the team was being disbanded because of lack of interest. Dycus literally stepped up to the plate to help -- volunteering to coach and going door to door to recruit players. He also tossed in $600 of his own money to buy equipment.
Dycus also picked up Steffan Fernstedt, a Gilkpin County sheriff's deputy, to help coach.
The players practice three times a week, and players like Elijah Miera wouldn't have it any other way.
"They're my favorite coaches in the whole world. They always work us hard and make us feel good," said Elijah.
On Monday the players were cheered on by a former neighbor -- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. The mayor shook the coaches' hands and thanked them for their commitment to the kids.
"When these kids look back 15 years from now they'll be talking about these coaches, just like I still talk about my coaches. So they're making a real difference," Hancock said.
As the mayor posed for pictures with the team, Coach Dycus reflected on this real life field of dreams.
"They love it here and I love seeing their smiles every day," he said.
The Chargers haven't won a game yet but the players, coaches and parents don't seem to mind.
Those who would like to send a donation to the Police Activity league can do so through their website, DenverPal.com.
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.