In a brazen act of thievery that occurred on a quiet South Side block, beloved youth baseball coach and mentor Ernest Radcliffe was carjacked as he loaded sports equipment into his SUV. The carjacking incident, which took place on January 13 near 61st and Ellis in Woodlawn, lasted mere seconds but left a lasting impact on the community-minded coach. "It's traumatic because, in a split second, you could be shot," Radcliffe told ABC7 Chicago.
Two men, supposedly armed, made off with not just any vehicle, but one holding a trove of equipment for The Show Baseball, Radcliffe’s youth sports team. The stolen SUV, belonging to Radcliffe's daughter, was recovered 36 hours later in a satisfactory condition, although devoid of the equipment. While Chicago police managed to find a box of baseball apparel at a separate location, invaluable gear including ball buckets, gloves, and Fungo bats remained missing. Despite the ordeal, the spirit of the community—and Radcliffe's resolve—stands undeterred. "I am just here, trying to help as many people as possible," he reflected with ABC7 Chicago.
After learning about the harrowing carjacking, Perfect Game, a scout organization dedicated to youth sports, stepped into bat for Radcliffe. "We are the biggest amateur supporters of helping kids, education, and bringing baseball back," Dennis Gilbert, commissioner of the Perfect Game, expressed to the Chicago Tribune. Demonstrating their commitment, Perfect Game sent Radcliffe 28 boxes filled with baseballs, buckets, and bats to replace the stolen gear.
Disaster has hence been met with goodwill and a rallying around Radcliffe, who beyond directing The Show Baseball, coaches at Morgan Park High School and manages the Southside Wolfpack football program. Contributions to replace the lost equipment didn't stop with Perfect Game. Wilson Sports and the Chicago Cubs also stepped up to the plate, showcasing a united front in support of Radcliffe's youth programs. "Youth sports save lives," Radcliffe explained to the Chicago Tribune. His continued work helps keep scores of kids off the streets of Chicago, providing them with a more promising alternative through sports.
