Black Sox Celebrate 2011 Season/Prepare for 2012

The Philly Area Black Sox Baseball Team 19U will celebrate their 2011 Lighthouse League Championship and host a fundraiser for six of their own to participate in the MJBL All-Star Game Weekend during a Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser. The fundraiser will occur on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Applebee's location at Castor Avenue & Aramingo Avenue from 8 am to 10 am. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children up to 12. Call Coach Paul at 215-990-3188 or email pkj@thewinningteamgroup.com for tickets in advance or more information.

The 2012 team will play its home games in West Philadelphia and continue its tradition of a blend of intramural league games and an extensive travel exhibition/tournament schedule including participation in the MJBL Inner City Classic in Richmond in July. Interested players should contact Coach Paul at 215-990-3188 or email paulkennethjohnson@yahoo.com for more information.

IMPORTANT NEWS

06/06/03: All players must have submitted their 2003 Black Sox Player Contract Packages on or before Tuesday, June 6, 2003 for inclusion on the final PSI RBI roster for the 2003 Black Sox. Any player that committed to being on the Black Sox before June 1, must also have paid their complete team/league fees. Each player must play at least 4 PSI RBI games vs. Philly teams to be eligible for the playoffs.

Fees for our West Virginia tournament are due on Thursday, June 12. The fee is $55(includes $5 late fee).

02/02/03: COACH PAUL WILL RETURN FOR 2003 SEASON- WILL COACH TWO AGE DIVISIONS (16-18 & 13-15).
Head Coach Paul K. Johnson initially announced last fall that he was planning not to return to the Black Sox (Ages 16-18). “I intended not to return in 2003. But this team put me in a tough spot. Although we weren’t the best team on paper, they came through in the clutch against a better team and won the 2002 PSI RBI League
Championship. I felt I needed to return to defend the championship and have a transition
year where hopefully my assistant coach will be ready to take over head coaching duties in 2004.” Coach Johnson will also start and coach a 13-15 age division. Coach Johnson and the Black Sox will realize a franchise 200th win in 2003 if the 13-15 & 16-18 teams combined win at least 17 league games.


BLACK SOX - 2002 PSI RBI LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!

BLACK SOX SWEEP PLEASANT PANTHERS (5-3 & 12-7) TO WIN WEST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP. ADVANCE TO LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES, THEIR 13TH in 14 SEASONS! WILL FACE NORTHEAST A's JULY 27 & 28TH.

07/14/02: TEAM STATS & TEAM LEADERS (PSI RBI REGULAR SEASON).
TEAM BATTING AVERAGE .348
TEAM ON BASE AVERAGE .405
TEAM ERA 4.52
106 K's IN 79 INNINGS PITCHED.

Individual Offense(28 plate appearances to qualify for Batting Average): AB (46) Ryan Williams, R (12) Tim Bryant & James Giddings, H (16) Ryan Williams, HR (1) Ryan Abrams, RBI (17) Ryan Williams, BA (.500) Tim Bryant, BB (11) James Giddings, & SB (11) James Giddings.

Individual Pitching (14 innings pitched to qualify for ERA): Wins (2) Anthony Bove & Rob Harvey, Saves (2) Rob Harvey, IP (17) Alex Rodriguez, K's (29) Rob Harvey, & ERA (1.47) Rob Harvey.


6/30/02: Today our organization forfeited for only the 2nd time since its founding in 1990. This is an embarassment to our ogranzation and for me personally. I feel that this is the ultimate form of disrespect and a slap in the face since several players declared their intention to be at the game and as of 10:30 PM have yet to call me and explain or apologize why they weren't there. I feel that I have not created the motivational environment to nuture and develop youth baseball players as I have in the past. Therefore I announce that this will be my last year coaching the 16-18 age group. Furthermore, if we forfeit again this year I will no longer continue the current season. I will not allow this team to tear down the reputation of the Black Sox or Coach Paul. Win or Lose everyone knows the Black Sox will AT LEAST show up to play. This poor turnout of players and other activities have made this a dissapointing team that only a League Championship will remove some of the taint. Due to the lack of committment,dedication, loyalty, and practice participation I am not having fun and not doing my job - teaching baseball. I've preached how important these characteristics are to me, but I feel they've been ignored. True Black Sox find a way to get to games, come to practice, call ahead of time or shortly after when missing a game or practice, pay their league fees, provide their league/team paperwork and come prepared ready to play. I've had to ignore personal principles that I hold dear because I'd be afraid that I would not have enough players to play. I plan to be involved in youth baseball in some way after the season, but it will not be in coaching 16-18 year olds.

6/20/02: Due to lack of interest and payments, the Philly Area Black Sox and the Lighthouse Mets combined as the Philadelphia Stars will not be participating in the 2002 Mountain State Classic in West Virginia.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: COACH PAUL K. JOHNSON MULLS RETIREMENT AND OTHER CHANGES AFTER 2002 SEASON. May 6, 2002 - Coach Johnson, one of the most winningest coaches in the West Philadelphia area and a 13 year coaching veteran is considering retiring from coaching the Philly Area Black Sox (Ages 16-18) at the completion of the 2002 season. "After 13 years of coaching, I feel as though we've accomplished a lot on and off the field. I'm looking for new challenges that are bigger and better. I'm considering an opportunity to operate a program that will provide baseball (and potentially other sport) instruction to youth with an education and learning element in the West Philadelphia area. Our organizational skills can serve a larger group that would appreciate and benefit. I intend to get more involved in community and local political issues," said Johnson. It is rumored that Coach Johnson has been mentioned as a leading candidate to coach a local college baseball team and start an adult team in the Fairmount Park "A" League in 2003. Several parents and community leaders are hopeful that Johnson can continue to coach his 16-18 team in 2003. "We need people like Coach Paul in this community. He cares about this 16-18 age group that is often neglected by our leaders", said a local anonymous parent.

2002 BLACK SOX ARE LOOKING FOR EXHIBITION GAMES, TOURNAMENTS, EXPERIENCED PLAYERS, AND AN ASSISTANT COACH (Defense and/or Pitching). Prepare for Preseason Workout Sessions


BLACK SOX CELEBRATE REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP AT 9TH ANNUAL AWARDS PARTY ON OCTOBER 19, 2001. Bobby Williams honored and awards presented to players (see Awards). Coach Paul pledges big changes for 2002!


2001 BLACK SOX SWEPT BY LIGHTHOUSE IN PSI RBI LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP. Finish with overall league record of 12-5.


BLACK SOX EARN 7 SELECTIONS TO PSI RBI ALL-STAR GAME & HOME RUN DERBY! Brian Brooks, Josh DeBeary, and Billy Johnson will participate in the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. Dan Beerhalter, Johnny Marrero, Alex Rodriguez, and Ed Vargas are the other selections


BLACK SOX GAIN AUTOMATIC BID TO PSI RBI LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP ON FRIDAY, JULY 27th at Richie Ashburn Field and SATURDAY, JULY 28th at Veterans Stadium BY FINISHING AS REGULAR SEASON CHAMPION WITH 12-3 RECORD!


BLACK SOX PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY ON APRIL 21, 2001 BY CLEANING UP WEST PHILADELPHIA ATHLETIC FIELD.


PSIRBI LEAGUE SCHEDULE ADDED. GO TO SCHEDULES SECTION.


2001 BLACK SOX TENTATIVE EXHIBITION SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW ON THIS PAGE


Game Results can be accessed now!


The Black Sox have started their 2001 Preseason Workout Sessions for the purpose of evaluating talent and providing baseball instruction. Present and Interested players should call Coach Paul at 215-365-BSOX (2769) for more information!


Black Sox perform clean-up at W. Phila. High School Athletic Field on April 21, 2001 to mark National Youth Service Day!


Prospective 2001 Black Sox involved in community service at Holiday Party for St. Vincent's Home for Abused & Neglected Children in December 2000.



2000 GRAY SOX INFO.

Gray Sox support COMHAR in their annual Block Party in September 2000 as a part of our community service events. Gray Sox also have their 8th Annual Awards Party in October 2000.

2000 REGULAR SEASON STATS UPDATE

The final regular season stats for the Gray Sox have been updated. Please use a minimum of 15 plate apperances (At Bats + Walks (BB)) to consider true batting averages and a minimum of 10 innings pitched to consider true ERA. Postseason Game Results will be updated but without individual statistics. Major awards that are based on Regular Season (Team MVP, Best Offense, Best Defense, Best Pitcher, & Rookie of the Year) have already been determined.

Game vs. Upper Moreland Morelanders-PA in Upper Moreland on Sun. July 9th has been cancelled due to rainouts they have to make up. OUR JULY 11TH GAME vs. SOUTH PHILLY THUNDER HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUN. JULY 9TH at 5:30 PM IN SOUTH PHILLY @ 7TH & PACKER.

Doubleheader vs. Glen Burnie-MD in Philly on Sat. July 1st has been cancelled due to rainouts they have to make up. We will try to schedule a DH with another team for this day.

Times for Doubleheader vs. NJ Cobras in NJ on Sat. Jun. 17 changed to 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM w/ possible wooden bat play

Game scheduled for 6/6/00 vs. S. Philly Thunder is rained out and rescheduled for 6/29/00 @ 6:00 PM. Field TBA.

Game time for our June 11th game vs. Jersey City All-Stars @ Liberty Bell Field in Northeast Philadelphia has been changed to 1:00 PM.

We will now play 2 games vs. Pottstown on Sun. June 4th & our June 18th game vs. Feltonville will now be at Lighthouse (Front & Erie).

Gray Sox will reach back to community by providing a clinic to Tioga Rec. Assn. & Boys/Girls Clubs OF Germantown & Kennsington on Sat. June 3rd at 11 at 20th Tioga. Our scheduled regular season game vs. Pleasant Panthers has been moved to 2:30 PM at Pleasant & Chew Ave.

TRAVELLING PHILLIES ALREADY FORFEITED & NOW ELMWOOD PARK FORFEITS OUT OF LEAGUE! (TOTAL 5 GAMES)

JUNE TOURNAMENT GAME OPPONENTS & TIMES DETERMINED. LEAGUE GAMES FULLY UPDATED WITH PLAYER OF THE GAME.

LEAGUE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN ADDED!

MAY TOURNAMENT GAME OPPONENTS & TIMES DETERMINED!

June 4, 2000 Game vs. Pottstown A.L. Spartans has been scheduled to replace one of these games. Our Games vs. Columbia-PA A.L. & Quarryville-PA A.L. in Quarryville have been cancelled due to Graduation & Baccaluareate services.

April 30, 2000 Game vs. Monmouth County Hurricanes near Freehold-NJ has been cancelled. The Hurricanes will now be an unlimited team consisting of older players including college players who aren't available until late May. It has been replaced by a game vs. the Mohnton Mariners (near Reading-PA).

April 18, 2000 Game vs. Lamberton H.S. has been cancelled.

April 9th-Snowed Out then rescheduled to April 16-Rained Out - Game vs. Boyle Braves in Philadelphia-PA will possibly occur later in the season.


BLACK SOX WIN 2007 PSI RBI CHAMPIONSHIP!

2010 Black Sox Team starts to fill up

April 7, 2010
The practice/tryout turnout fot the Philly Area Black Sox continues to grow. There are now over 35 players interested in a limited 18-20 roster spots. The priority will be given to pitchers and catchers. Deposit of $75 is due on or before April 17th and the balance of $75 is due in May (Date TBD).

ORIOLES, WHITE SOX, BLACK SOX,GRAY SOX, back to BLACK SOX

The Philly Area Black Sox Baseball Team (16-18) is the latest team coached by Paul K. Johnson since 1990.
In 1990 we started with the Orioles(Ages 9-12) based out of the Salvation Army-West Philadelphia. After advacing to the league championship and winning the championship in 1990 and 1992, the team changed its name when it entered the Yeadon Athletic Association (in Yeadon, a nearby suburb of Philadelphia) as the White Sox in 1993. This was also the first year the team was sponsored by Al-Jay Insurance Agency, Inc. The White Sox won the championship every year from 1993-1995 while having the league raise the age limit from 12-14 to finally 13-15.
While coaching the White Sox in 1995, Coach Johnson also started the Black Sox. The Black Sox would play in the Sayre/Morris RBI League in West Philadelphia. Their age group started at 13-15 and has grown to 16-18. They lost the Championship when he returned from a baseball coaching trip in Puerto Rico but roared back with an undefeated season of 22-0 in 1996. The Black Sox went on to win the League Championship in 1997 & 1998. They also won the City RBI Championship Tournament in 1998.
These teams have combined for over 100 league wins, 8 league Championships, and Coach Paul was recognized by the Century Club of the American Baseball Coaches Association. These teams have advanced to the Championship Series 11 consecutive times (2 teams in 1995)but lost in 1999.
In addition to league play, the team has played several exhibition games and tournaments with a 2nd place finish in the Hoosier Baseball Classic in Delphi-IN in 1998 and a 5th place finish in the Mountain State Classic in Beckley-WV in 1999.
The name officially changed to the Philly Area Gray Sox (16-18) in 2000
to signify a new team and new attitude. Coach Paul hoped it would put the team back on a winning tradition. But with a new, young, and inexperienced team, they were suprisingly upset in the first round of the playoffs. This ended a consecutive streak of 10 years and 11 appearances in a league championship series. But they did celebrate the 150th win for the franchise and consideration by a new dot-com for a national or statewide ranking. Coach Paul decided to change the name back to the Black Sox for 2001. They finished the season as the Regular Season Champions with the best record overall but came up short in the League Championship Series. The 2002 Black Sox expect to get back to the high powered offense that made them consistent champions in the 90's.

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame is a very special award presented to players who have played at least three years for teams coached by Paul K. Johnson. The qualifications include good sportsmanship, leadership qualities, and won and/or considered in the top three for Team MVP for at least three years (preferably consecutively). These players are the cream of the crop of the players coached by Coach Johnson since 1990. In 1998 we also retired #42 to honor the legacy of the color barier broken in baseball by Jackie Robinson.
In 2008 we retired #21 to honor the on and off the field efforts to demonstrate humanity by Roberto Clemente.

1992 ANTHONY GREEN #33 Orioles & White Sox

1994 DANIEL S. WILSON #44 Orioles & White Sox

1996 ANDRE ANDREWS #35 Orioles, White Sox, & Black Sox

1996 *JERMAINE C. GUY #19 White Sox & Black Sox
*Jermaine was selected as our Player of the Decade (90's)!

1998 KENNETH WELLAR #16 White Sox


2008 ERIC PUGH #10 Black Sox

2008 ALEX "MACHO" RODRIGUEZ #12 Black Sox

2016 BRANDON DAVENPORT #1 Black Sox

2018 JAVIER LAFUENTE #8 Black Sox

2018 JOHNNY MARRERO #5 (#10 wore during career) Black Sox

MVP (Team & League)

YEAR PLAYER Team
1990 Rodney Murray Orioles

1991 Anthony Green Orioles
Tyrone Martin Orioles

1992 Daniel S. Wilson Orioles &
SAWP MVP

1993 Jermaine C. Guy White Sox

1994 Andre Andrews White Sox
Kenneth Wellar White Sox

1995 Andre Andrews White Sox
Eric Pugh Black Sox

1996 James Baker Black Sox
Jermanine C. Guy Sayre MVP

1997 Jermaine C. Guy Black Sox
Marc Holley Sayre MVP

1998 Anthony Green Black Sox
Jermaine C. Guy Black Sox

1999 Clack Green Black Sox

2000 John Hogan Gray Sox

2001 Josh DeBeary Black Sox

2008 Luis Encarnacion Black Sox
Javier Lafuente Black Sox