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Davenport Little League team helping kids with the game of life

A brand new little league team in Davenport could use some financial help. The West End Eagles team was started this year with the help of the 180 Zone, an orga...

A brand new little league team in Davenport could use some financial help.

The West End Eagles team was started this year with the help of the 180 Zone, an organization that works to prevent crisis, poverty, addiction, and criminal behavior.

"Our organization, 180 Zone, does a lot here on the West end of Davenport, which is notorious for poverty. So we heard that they didn't have a little league down here and that there was a big need for it," said Rusty Boruff.

There are twelve kids on the team, most have never played baseball.

"Just watching these kids develop not only baseball skills, but also just building relationships with them. I see how much they love to do it, how far they've come. They didn't know if they were left or right-handed on the first day of practice, ya know. And watching them today is just awesome," he said.

The kids do not have to pay to play. Equipment and the cost of travel and tournaments is provided for them.

"Essentially, they've supplied everything," said Amy Erps, a single mom of five whose son plays on the team.

"He has ADHD. So, he's on medicine and this has essentially, we don't have near as many problems with him at home.  I mean, it's wearing him out. He plays baseball at home now, he gets his brothers involved and it has really done a great thing for him," she said.

While it is free for the players, Boruff estimates it costs the 180 Zone $3,000. To help donate to the cause, visit the 180 Zone's website.

 

 

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