Roosevelt Swinton received the Distinguished Citizen Award for his work with the youth on Dec. 14.
BY RAVEN JOY SHONEL | Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — The City of St. Petersburg awarded Roosevelt Swinton the Distinguished Citizen Award for more than 50 years of service to the community on Dec. 14. Councilmember John Muhammad praised the baseball legend for the five decades he’s dedicated to the youth in St. Pete.
“A man whose commitment to the Wildwood Dodgers and the well-being of our children has left an indelible mark on the fabric of our city,” said Muhammad.
Swinton started as a baseball coach for the Wildwood Dodgers when his son joined the team; decades later, you’ll still find him making a difference in the lives of the city’s youth on the baseball diamond. Although he is now the commissioner of the baseball club, he’s still on the field with the children, acting as a role model and mentor, chauffeur, scorekeeper, umpire, organizer and any other position that needs filling.
“He’s rolled up his sleeves and embraced every aspect of the mission, from prepping the field to managing the concession stand, cleaning the facilities, and ensuring that every child has a means of transportation to and from the practices and games,” shared Muhammad.
Swinton started as a baseball coach for the Wildwood Dodgers when his son joined the team, and more than 50 years later, he can still be found on the baseball diamond.
Swinton’s dedication extends far beyond the game, creating a positive and safe environment for St. Pete’s youth through the transformative impact and power of sports. Participation in youth sports provides invaluable life lessons, teaching young children the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Muhammad revealed that in 1959, Swinton unknowingly laid the foundation of his legacy by helping to build the Wildwood Community Center, now known as the Thomas “Jet” Jackson Recreation Center.
“He literally mixed mortar on the pitch of land that would become third base,” stated Muhammad. “Over the years, he’s become a cornerstone of this community center, offering his time, dedication, and wisdom to his programs for over five decades.”
A man of little words, the community builder approached the microphone with a full heart.
“I really don’t have words enough to say thank you, thank you. Thank you from all my staffers, my coaches, and the parents,” said Swinton.
Veronica Roberts (Ms. Toolie) first met Swinton when she was 12. She was peeking through a fence, watching a few young ladies playing softball, when she caught Swinton’s eye.
“He said, ‘Hey, little girl, you want to come over here and play softball?’ And I said, ‘No, sir, because I don’t know how to play.’ He said, ‘Come on in, I’ll teach you.’ And I’ve been with him ever since. That’s been over 40 years.”
Roberts worked hard to secure the Distinguished Citizen Award for her mentor because “he has impacted my life, my husband’s life, and my kids’ life, and I think he needed to be recognized,” she said, adding that she’s working to get the baseball field named in his honor.
Councilwoman Deborah Figgs-Sanders thanked Roberts for being committed to securing Swinton’s award, and Councilman Ed Montanari thanked Swinton for making the city a better place.
Mayor Ken Welch shared: “You’ve poured into generations of our young people, and I think it’s a well-deserved honor, and I’m looking forward to observing the new business item that’s coming forward,” he said, referring to re-christening the baseball field in Swinton’s name.