A Legacy of Excellence
Tracing the journey of the Black Sox through the years, from humble beginnings to a celebrated travel baseball program.
LaGrange Monarchs Baseball
The LaGrange Monarchs Baseball program was founded in 2005 in LaGrange, Georgia by Broderick Stargell, father of Coach Keem. Built from humble beginnings, the Monarchs began with a roster made up mostly of first-time players. Through two years of dedication, development, and a commitment to fundamentals, the team quickly rose from underdogs to champions. Before long, the Monarchs were not just competing, but winning full tournaments and earning respect across the region. Coach Keem was a member of the program from its inception to its final season, helping carry forward the legacy his father started.
Monarchs Revival (2024)
In 2024, Coach Keem reignited the legacy of Monarchs Baseball, bringing the program back to life with a brand-new 8U team. Much like the original Monarchs of 2005, this group began as true beginners—many experiencing travel baseball for the first time. Guided by a clear vision and fueled by memories of the program that shaped him, Coach Keem set out to recreate the same life-changing impact he once experienced: lifelong friendships, valuable lessons, unforgettable memories, and a blueprint for rising to the top. His mission was simple but powerful—bring opportunity, growth, and belief back to the youth of LaGrange through the game that changed his life.
The Birth of the Black Sox (2025)
By the fall of 2025, Coach Keem believed it was time for a fresh start—new name, new look, same mission. From that vision, the Black Sox were born, proudly adopting the colors black, white, and silver. Still rooted in LaGrange, Georgia, Black Sox Baseball now fields three teams—with plans to expand to four, ranging from 7U to 11U. The program remains deeply committed to creating opportunities for young African American athletes to develop, compete, and thrive at a high level. Powered by top-tier instruction from Coach Keem and Be Smooth Academy, the Black Sox are focused on building champions on the field and strong young men off the field, continuing the legacy that began with the original Monarchs.
