article There was some sad news at Saturday’s ceremony. Felix Mantilla, who played on the 1957 Milwaukee Braves championship team, died Friday. He was 90 years old. The Source: Information in this report is from the Milwaukee Brewers RBI program, Milwaukee Baseball Club and FOX6 News interviews. What we know “He was a wonderful leader, […]
The Source: Information in this report is from the Milwaukee Brewers RBI program, Milwaukee Baseball Club and FOX6 News interviews.
What we know
“He was a wonderful leader, charismatic like you wouldn’t believe, but one of the most humble men you will ever meet, especially given the list of accolades he achieved in his life,” said Reggie Harris, a family friend. MILWAUKEE – A brand-new youth baseball facility opened on Milwaukee’s south side on Saturday. Milwaukee Baseball Club and RBI provide affordable resources for inner-city kids to get involved in baseball. Programs combine athletic, academic and personal development resources under one roof at the new facility, which organizers hope will be a “hub of growth and opportunity.” The 9,000-square-foot facility near 38th and Mitchell will be home to the Milwaukee Baseball Club and the Milwaukee Brewers’ Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities – or RBI – program.
Felix Mantilla
After his career, Mantilla called Milwaukee home and played a pivotal role in the city’s little league scene. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, kids were able to get free hitting, pitching and fielding lessons. According to Haliga, since the start of the Milwaukee Baseball Club in 2009, all participants graduated from high school, 76% continued to college and 53% played college baseball. Eighty-five kids currently participate in the year-round program.
The backstory
“We’re going to do some good things here, and it’s not just baseball anymore,” said Julian Haliga, Milwaukee Baseball Club president. “Keep your eyes open. We’re about to change the city.” SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
