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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
On a cool November afternoon, the North Fort Worth Boys & Girls Club, nestled at 2000 Ellis Avenue, hummed with an unusual kind of anticipation. The kids knew someone special was coming, but the full gravity of the moment didn’t hit until Leody Taveras stepped into their world. For these young fans, it wasn’t just the star center fielder of the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers who walked through the doors — it was a dream brought to life.
Taveras arrived with an easygoing demeanor that belied his larger-than-life accomplishments. A guided tour of the nearly century-old facility introduced him to the club's rich history and enduring legacy.
From its early days in 1926 to its centennial milestone on the horizon, the Boys & Girls Club has been a cornerstone of community and opportunity.
“It’s about hope,” said Latoya Grayer, regional vice president of Tarrant County’s Boys & Girls Clubs. “When kids see someone like Leody—someone who came from humble beginnings and achieved greatness—it plants a seed. They start to believe, ‘That could be me.’”
Taveras, now 26, knows all about the power of belief. Signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic at just 16, he was labeled a “dynamic, switch-hitting center fielder” and handed a $2.1 million signing bonus. Over the years, he has navigated the peaks and valleys of professional baseball, carving out a role as a dependable defender and contributor on the Rangers' historic World Series run.
But this visit wasn’t about stats or accolades — it was about connection. On the freshly painted sports court, with the Texas Ranger’s logo shining bright, Taveras joined the kids for a spirited game of wiffle ball. The hour was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a few surprising home runs. For the kids, it wasn’t just about the game; it was a lesson in teamwork, sportsmanship, and the sheer joy of playing for the love of it.
Grayer reflected on the moment: “Our gym is more than just a space for games; it’s where kids learn life skills — how to win, how to lose, how to support each other. Having someone like Leody join in amplifies that experience tenfold.”
As the game wrapped up, Taveras made time for high-fives, selfies, and a few quiet conversations with the young players. His presence was more than a celebrity appearance—it was a reminder that greatness often starts with simple, everyday decisions to show up and try.
The North Fort Worth Boys & Girls Club embodies that ethos.
Beyond the sports court, the club offers programs ranging from STEM activities and arts to workforce development initiatives, like their standout cosmetology program, which teaches kids trade skills and provided them with tools to succeed.
For Taveras, his visit was a brief stop in a busy offseason, but for the kids, it was a memory etched in their hearts—a reminder that, like their favorite World Series champ, they, too, can dream big and achieve greatness.
