Jackie Robinson West inspires improvements at 3 city parks

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Jackie Robinson West all-stars' success is paying off for children across Chicago.

Three parks in the city's South and West Sides will receive improvements to support more baseball and softball, inspired by the success of JRW, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Thursday.

The parks - one of which is Jackie Robinson Park, the team's home - would get improvements to turf, concessions and facilities to extend the practice and playing season.

"Everybody stepped up to make sure our kids have not just one season but a set of values that will serve them well for the rest of their lives," Emanuel said.

The Little League National Champions appeared on ABC7's "Windy City Live" Thursday with their families.

The young baseball players captured the national spotlight during the Little League World Series and are inspiring kids and adults.

"It's awesome because not a lot of people like playing baseball nowadays, more people like basketball and football but baseball is a great sport to play," said Lawrence Noble, a JRW player.

"It's a great thing for kids to see me and believe they can achieve their goals because I achieved mine," said Ed Howard, a JRW player. "It means a lot to me that I'm helping other kids."

"I think since we won the U.S. Championship in Williamsport, it is something positive for Chicago and all over the world," said Trey Hondras, a JRW player.

The team's coach is eager to see a new wave of young people play baseball.

"I'm a baseball guy so I'm a little biased, I'd love to see more kids come out and at least give it a try," said Darold Butler, JRW coach.

In addition to the upgrades at some of these outdoor parks, there's also going to be an indoor facility opening in 2015 in the city's Pullman neighborhood.

As for the JRW team, they will head to Disney World Friday morning.