The player who scored the game-winning run in Jackie Robinson West’s U.S. championship win was secretly struggling in his private life.
12-year-old Jaheim Benton and his family have been homeless since June.
They split up and were living with friends and family after Benton’s mom, Devona Benton, had her hours cut at work. His dad, Frank Jackson, has only been working part time.
The family told very few people, because they didn’t want to distract from the Little League World Series.
Spencer Leak, Jr., from Leak and Sons Funeral Home in Chatham, heard about their situation and has offered to pay the family’s rent for one year.
“He’s a superstar,” says Leak. “Superstar and homeless don’t g together. So, we had to do something for this little superstar.”
Leak went on to compare Benton to some of Chicago’s greatest athletes.
“Michael Jordan is a superstar and he doesn’t worry about his home. Derrick Rose is a superstar and he doesn’t worry about his home,” said Leak. “Jaheim Benton is a superstar and he shouldn’t have to worry about his home.”
Private donors, including several major league baseball players, made it possible for parents of all Jackie Robinson West players to go to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
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