Drive Honor Black Spinners

On Friday, June 10th, the Greenville Drive will honor the successful Black Spinners team from the early 1900’s. This night is important not only to the Drive, but to the Greenville Community. With the opening of Unity Park, it’s important to honor The Black Spinners, Sterling High School, and the Negro League All-Stars that all once played at Mayberry Field and meant a lot to this community.

They will take the field sporting “throwback-style” uniforms to showcase the Black Spinners team look to the modern day Greenville community.

During the pre-game ceremonies, the Drive will recognize Frank White, the only remaining living Black Spinners player, as well as family members of former Black Spinners players. John Whiteside, a former shortstop at Sterling High School, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Throughout the game, vignettes will run on the DriveVision video board, telling the story of the Black Spinners, Sterling High School, and the Negro League All-Stars.

We look forward to telling and honoring the stories of historic baseball teams from our very own community!

Homestand On Deck: Indians to Honor History of Negro Leagues in Indianapolis 

Richard “King Tut” King, Oscar Charleston and Connie Morgan each played prominent roles with the Indianapolis Clowns. (Photo by Negro Leagues Baseball Museum)

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians begin a six-game series with the Columbus Clippers, Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, next Tuesday, June 7 at Victory Field. Friday Fireworks (June 10), Negro Leagues Night (June 11) and Sunday Characters with PJ Masks™ (June 12) highlight the promotions for Indy’s fifth homestand of the season.

Tuesday, June 7 – Tuesday Dollar Menu presented by Eisenberg
Load up on your favorite ballpark snacks with hot dogs, peanuts, potato chips, Cracker Jack and popcorn all available for just $1 each.

IUPUI Men’s Head Soccer Coach Sid Van Druenen will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Gates open at 6 PM with first pitch at 7:05 PM.

Wednesday, June 8 – Wednesday Day Game presented by Elements Financial
Leave the office early and enjoy a Wednesday Day Game at Victory Field.

Gates open at 12:30 PM for the 1:35 PM start.

Thursday, June 9 – Thirsty Thursday™ presented by Sun King Brewery, Circle City Night, Bark in the Park presented by Noah’s Animal Hospital and PetSuites, Eli the Bat Dog presented by Sit Means Sit
The best drink specials happen on Thirsty Thursday™ at Victory Field. Quench your thirst with $2 Pepsi fountain drinks, $3 domestic drafts and $5 premium and craft drafts. DJ Ryan Watson will perform pregame on the home dugout, and on the field, the Indians will represent the 317 for the second Circle City Night of the season by wearing Circle City jerseys.

Exclusive to Circle City Nights, the Indians partnered with local retailer, The Shop Indy, to bring fans the Circle City t-shirt collection. These limited-edition shirts are only available to fans who purchase a special t-shirt package. The Indians also partnered with Penn & Beech – Indy’s local candle company – to bring four baseball-inspired scents into fans’ own homes.

The third game of the series also features the third of six Bark in the Park games for the season. Bring your four-legged fan to the ballpark and enjoy the game from the right and center field lawn. Fans must purchase the dog ticket package in advance, which guarantees one (1) giveaway item for the pup. Dog ticket packages are limited. Fans also get the opportunity to watch Eli the Bat Dog retrieve players’ bats during the first three innings of the game.

Special ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by Butler University Head Football Coach Mike Uremovich and the University of Indianapolis women’s lacrosse Division II national championship team along with first pitches fetched by Butler Blue IV and Grady the Greyhound.

Gates open at 6 PM with first pitch at 7:05 PM.

Friday, June 10 – Friday Fireworks presented by FOX59
Stick around after the final out and enjoy a spectacular postgame fireworks show.

Gates open at 6 PM ahead of the 7:05 PM first pitch.

Saturday, June 11 – Negro Leagues Night presented by Indiana Civil Rights Commission
The Indians pay tribute to the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Indianapolis through a partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The Indianapolis Clowns featured some of the greatest Black ballplayers of all time, including Hall of Famer Hank Aaron and the first three women signed to professional baseball contracts in the Negro Leagues – Toni Stone, Connie Morgan and Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. Indy native Oscar Charleston, another Negro Leagues legend and Hall of Famer, managed the Clowns in the early 1950s.

On the field, the Indians will wear Clowns specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Indianapolis Indians Charities. The jersey auction begins at 10 AM ET on June 11 and concludes at the end of the seventh inning. Fans may place their bids by texting VICTORY to 79230.

Prior to the game, former Ben Davis High School football star and current Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Evans will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Gates open at 6 PM, and the game gets underway at 7:05 PM.

Sunday, June 12 – Sunday Characters with PJ Masks™ presented by MHS, Kids Eat Free Sunday presented by Aquafina and Meijer, Knot Hole Kids Club Sunglasses Giveaway presented by Riley Children’s Health

Characters from the popular TV show PJ Masks™ make their way to Victory Field for the series finale. Visit the Center Field Plaza before and during the game for a chance to meet and take photos with Catboy, Owlette and Gekko.

Every Sunday, all children 14 and under receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water with price of admission. In addition, the first 500 Knot Hole Kids Club members will receive one pair of sunglasses at the Standings & Lineup Board behind Section 108. This is the first opportunity for KHKC members to receive the June giveaway item. KHKC members may also run the bases after the game.

Gates open at 12:30 PM before first pitch at 1:35 PM.

Single-game tickets are available along with season tickets, mini plans, group and premium reservations. For more on the Indians, visit IndyIndians.com or contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or [email protected].

Blue Wahoos To Wear Navy Uniforms As Part Of Memorial Day Celebration 

The three Blue Wahoos players stared in silent awe at the dark blue, vintage World War II fighter plane positioned in a center display at the National Naval Aviation Museum.

It was a Vought F4U Corsair, a replica to the one Ted Williams flew nearly 80 years ago in Pensacola, while pausing one of baseball’s greatest careers during World War II to complete training at Naval Air Station-Pensacola and become a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“This is incredible,” said Blue Wahoos infielder Cobie Fletcher-Vance, looking up at the plane while a tour guide explained how Williams took leave of absence from the Boston Red Sox to join the U.S. Navy– one year after his first Triple Crown batting season in Major League Baseball.

In 1941, Williams became the last player in baseball history to bat over .400 and his unmatched career included being a 19-time MLB All-Star, between two military service duties in Pensacola.

He was among more than 500 MLB players and more than 2,000 Minor League Baseball players who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

Williams, who later flew combat missions in the Korean War, was part of a sizeable contingent of professional baseball players who came to NAS-Pensacola for training.

“There is so much history here,” said Blue Wahoos relief pitcher Colton Hock, after joining Fletcher-Vance and outfielder Thomas Jones for a trip May 11 to the base. “So cool to see all this.”

Part of that history includes the wartime connection between baseball and NAS-Pensacola that will be celebrated Memorial Day weekend at Blue Wahoos games on Saturday and Sunday.

In both games against the Mississippi Braves, the Blue Wahoos will wear special uniforms, approved by the Navy. Officers from NAS-Pensacola will attend the games.

The three Blue Wahoos players wore the Navy jerseys on their recent visit to the base as a preview.

On Saturday, Capt. Terry Shashaty, Commanding Officer of NAS-Pensacola will throw out a first pitch, along with others before the two games.

The Blue Wahoos will show off their permanent display to Navy baseball in Pensacola, located on the wall above the stairs leading from the main entrance.

“When the players came that day and wore those Navy jerseys, the people who saw them that day just thought that was awesome,” said Jason Bortz, the public affairs officer at NAS-Pensacola.

“And to wear them (Saturday-Sunday) in front of thousands of people for a couple times this season, I think it’s going to be one of the best nights we’ve had for the base had in several years,” he said. “We have been through a lot the last several years.

“This is going to be a great night for Pensacola. We are honored to be a part of this.”

The Navy baseball jerseys will also be worn by the Blue Wahoos on July 2 during Fourth of July weekend at the ballpark.

Following that game, the jerseys will be auctioned to benefit the Navy-Marine Relief Society, a non-profit organization hat provides financial assistance and additional services to members of the Navy and Marine Corps and their families.

Also on Saturday, there will be a book signing from 11 a.m to 12 p.m. at the Bodacious Bookstore and Café on Intendencia Street, featuring Anne Keene, author of “The Cloudbuster Nine” an award-winning book about MLB players training during World War II to become Navy pilots.

Keene, a renown military historian, will be joined by Sharon Hornfisher, wife of late Navy historian Jim Hornfisher, who wrote the book “Who Can Hold The Sea, The U.S. Navy And The Cold War.”

Keene assisted the Blue Wahoos with compiling information, photos and details about the Navy baseball history in Pensacola.

“We say it all the time at the base and we truly mean it… that Pensacola is the best military community in the country,” Bortz said. “By far, it is the most military friendly.

“It is the most supportive of the military and this is a great opportunity for people in the community, whether they are in the military. or were in the military, or just living in the community to come out and see something that shows the relationship with the base, the Navy and the local community.”

Williams led an all-star baseball team, the Bronson Bombers, during his time in Pensacola. Bronson Field was an auxiliary base with baseball fields that is now part of the Blue Angel Recreation Park for military members.

The team had other MLB players training in Pensacola and competed in a championship series against Corpus Christi during 1943.

The U.S. Armed Forces used baseball and other sports as a way to help build morale and friendships while the pro athletes of that era were training.

“I think that speaks to the unselfishness of Ted Williams and that whole generation during World War II,” Bortz said. “He was a professional baseball player in the prime of his career, who didn’t have to serve, or if he did serve, he didn’t necessarily have to be in a combat situation.

“He voluntarily chose that. He wanted to be a pilot. He wanted to go into combat. It was more important to serve his country than his baseball legacy. That speaks highly of him.”

Williams, who died in 2002, played his entire 19-year career with the Boston Red Sox.

Bill Vilona is a retired Pensacola News Journal sports columnist and now senior writer for Pensacola Blue Wahoos. He can be reached at [email protected]

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Navy Baseball Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Sunday and July 2

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

WHO: Events part of Blue Wahoos games this weekend vs. Mississippi Braves and July 2 vs. Montgomery Biscuits. Blue Wahoos will wear specialty designed Navy baseball uniforms on these days.

TICKETS: Limited number of game tickets available for Saturday’s 6:05 p.m. game Tickets available for Sunday (4:05 p.m.) and July 2 games at www.bluewahoos.com/tickets.

BOOK SIGNING: In conjunction with weekend, a book signing Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bodacious Bookstore and Café features award-winning author and Navy baseball historian Anne Kleene, who wrote “Cloudbuster Nine”, along with Sharon Hornfisher, wife of late-author Jim Hornfisher.

Keene assisted Blue Wahoos in compiling photos, information on Navy history. Free admission to bookstore.

Fireflies Launch Baseball Legends Creativity Contest

   

COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies announced today that they are launching a Baseball Legends Creativity Contest for children from kindergarten to 12th grade. The Baseball Legends Creativity Contest encourages children to learn more about local baseball legend Larry Doby and the impact he had on the game of baseball. Based on what they learned about Larry Doby, kids will then creatively express how Doby’s story has encouraged them to overcome challenges they may face in their own lives. Three contest winners, one from each age bracket, will be selected and recognized in-game during Negro League Weekend Friday, June 17.

The creative expression can take any form; including but not limited to essays, poems, spoken word, paintings or drawings. Submissions must answer the following prompt: “What challenges did Larry Doby face throughout his life and baseball career, how did he overcome those challenges, and how has he influenced you to overcome the challenges you may face in your life?”

Larry Doby is best-known for breaking the American League color barrier with the Cleveland Indians a few months after Jackie Robinson broke the National League color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Doby was also the second black manager of any Major League club, after Frank Robinson accomplished the task a few years before him.

If that weren’t enough trailblazing, Doby also broke the ABL color barrier. The ABL was a precursor to the NBA. Despite the hardships Doby was placed under, he became one of the most decorated baseball players of all time. He was the first black player to homer in the World Series. He became a seven-time MLB All-Star with five-100 RBI and eight-20 HR seasons, which helped prompt his spot in Cooperstown. The infielder was inducted in the MLB Hall of Fame in 1998, five years before his death.

Children participating will be broken into three groups based on grade level: Kindergarten – 5th grade, 6th grade – 8th grade, and 9th grade – 12th grade. One winner will be selected from each group.

Children looking to participate in the contest must register online. After registration, completed creative expressions must be emailed to Devin Johnson at [email protected] by 5:00pm EST Wednesday, June 8. Larry Doby educational resources can also be found online.

 

Bark in the Park, Military Celebration Night and Appearance by Johnny Bench Highlight Promotion-Packed Series

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers’ second annual Bark in the Park presented by Sit Means Sit Dog Training and the first Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season presented by Casey’s General Stores are just two of the special promotions primed for the Dodgers’ jam-packed upcoming home series against the Reno Aces starting at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The series opens on a $2 Tuesday featuring $2 select beer, soda and bottled water from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products. COOP Ale Works draft beer will also be available at a special rate of $3.

The Dodgers’ second annual Bark in the Park presented by Sit Means Sit Dog Training is also Tuesday night as fans can bring their dog to the game. The first 300 dogs in attendance will receive a special commemorative dog bandana. Water and relief stations will be available throughout the ballpark for Tuesday’s dog guests.

Other promotional highlights for the series that continues through Sunday include:

• Friday, May 27 – 7:05 p.m.: An on-field naturalization ceremony will take place prior to the game as approximately 80 people will be naturalized as United States citizens. Friday Night Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game.

Also on Friday, three-year-old Casen Hazlewood of Ponca City will be recognized during the second INTEGRIS Health “Home Run For Life” of the 2022 season. Hazlewood weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth, as he was at just 26 weeks gestation, and went on to spend his first 154 days at INTEGRIS Health Children’s.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

• Saturday, May 28 – 7:05 p.m.: The first Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season presented by Casey’s General Stores takes over Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as the Dodgers honor the service and dedication of local military members and their families. Dodgers players and coaches will wear special camouflage jerseys and hats during the game.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates, which open at 6 p.m., will receive a camouflage OKC Dodgers hat. A mass swearing in ceremony for new military recruits will take place pregame, as well as a flyover in conjunction with Vance Air Force Base.

Military personnel from Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill will participate in pregame and in-game highlights, including a ceremonial first pitch, and the 395th Army Band from Mustang will perform the national anthem pregame. During an inning break, the band will also perform a rendition of “God Bless America.”

Braum’s Friends & Family 4-Packs are available for Saturday’s game that include four tickets, four hats and four Braum’s restaurant vouchers.

• Sunday, May 29 – 2:05 p.m.: Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench joins retired Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson and acclaimed photographer Jean Fruth Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to promote the non-profit Grassroots Baseball and hold a pregame book signing for “Grassroots Baseball: Route 66.” Copies of the book, in which Bench wrote the introduction and a chapter about Oklahoma, will be available for purchase in the OKC Dodgers Team Store.

Idelson and Fruth founded Grassroots Baseball with the mission of promoting and celebrating the amateur game around the globe, with a focus on growing interest and participation at the youngest levels. The overarching goal of Grassroot Baseball is to give back by providing inspiration, instruction and equipment to help ensure more children have the opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the game.

Bench is also slated to throw out a ceremonial first pitch Sunday.

Additionally on Sunday, OKC Dodgers Rookie League participants ranging in age from 3-10 will join a pregame parade on the field to celebrate the conclusion of the 2022 Rookie League season.

The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will host a “They Were All Stars” traveling exhibit along the concourse of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark throughout June and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit will take place during Sunday’s game. The exhibit highlights Negro League players who became Major League All-Stars.

Following the conclusion of the game, kids can take the field to run the bases like their favorite pros.

Tickets for all OKC Dodgers home games through June at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark are on sale now and range in price from $12-33. All tickets are digital and available for purchase online at okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information, please call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

RoughRiders to honor fallen 2d Lt Anthony Wentz on Armed Forces Day

FRISCO, Texas (May 20, 2022) – On Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21st, the Frisco RoughRiders will honor fallen Air Force 2d Lt Anthony D. Wentz with a special pregame ceremony prior to their game against the Corpus Christi Hooks.

The Riders will honor the life of Second Lt Anthony D. Wentz by dedicating the two seats that Anthony and Cori Wentz sat in during their first official date at Riders Field as well as a ceremonial first pitch from Anthony’s wife, Cori Wentz.

Second Lt Anthony D. Wentz was killed in a military training accident at Laughlin Air Force Base on November 19th, 2021.

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Wentz followed the footsteps of his father and brother by serving in the military after high school. He accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York where he studied mechanical engineering. At West Point, Wentz met the love of his life and now wife, Cori. They began officially dating on December 17th, 2017, going to many cities and sports games, including a visit to a Frisco RoughRiders game in the summer of 2018 as their first date in Cori’s hometown in Texas.

In addition to the pregame ceremony, all members of the Frisco RoughRiders team will wear special military jerseys during the game. The jerseys feature Steel Hearts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the legacies of the fallen cadets, midshipmen, and graduates of America’s service academies through the sale of high-quality, steel memorial bracelets.

For every Steel Hearts bracelet sold, $10 is donated to a charity, trust, or foundation designated by the surviving family. All team-worn jerseys will be available for auction on MiLB Auctions at a later date.

For tickets and more information about the Frisco RoughRiders, visit RidersBaseball.com or call 972.731.9200.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance for 15 consecutive seasons (2005-2019). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 170 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact [email protected].

Salute to America, Event to Honor Vietnam POWs

Join The Drive on Friday, June 3 at 6 PM in celebrating a special group of people, the Vietnam POWs. Members of the United States Armed Forces were held as prisoners of war (POWs) in significant numbers during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1973. The POWs spent years living in unimaginable circumstances. They had a mission to resist, survive and return with honor, and they did.

Fluor Field will be alive with large groups of POWs in Greenville for a reunion and celebration of their survival. Let’s show up and celebrate with them!

Using this evening to celebrate a perfect night of patriotism, bring your family out to Fluor Field for a complimentary community event. Saluting America together, a chance for us to come out and say thank you!

The evening will include special entertainment as a flag jump takes off in a helicopter and then lands back in the stadium. Continued programing to include Miss Liberty Belle, a patriotic fly over, and our special guest Steve Amerson (America’s Tenor) performing “Amazed by America” accompanied by Broadway singer, Laurie Gayle Stephenson. Ending the night in full celebration, we will conclude with fireworks!

You can register for the complimentary event HERE or by using the QR code above.

Come out to Fluor Field to show your appreciation for the these fearless members of society!

Schedule:

6:00 Doors open and concessions open

6:30 Program starts

6:45 Flag Jump into the stadium

7-7:30 Miss Liberty Belle

7:30 Fly over and Salute to America Musical Performance

8:40-8:45 Fireworks

Complimentary community event with donations to the Vietnam POW Reunion Foundation accepted.

TinCaps Jersey Auction to Help Fund Daisies Monument

Fort Wayne TinCaps and City of Fort Wayne partner on Fort Wayne Daisies Player Monument

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps, in partnership with the City of Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, are raising funds to renovate and improve the Fort Wayne Daisies monument at the historic site of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) team’s home field, located at Fort Wayne’s Memorial Park.

“Fort Wayne has a rich baseball history and the Daisies are front and center as trailblazers for the sport in this city,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps Vice President of Marketing. “While Memorial Park has long had a marker to designate it as the former home field of the Fort Wayne Daisies, we felt each individual Daisies player deserved to be recognized as well. This new monument will highlight each of the 144 former players and managers associated with the Daisies during the team’s existence from 1945 through 1954.”

The enhanced monument was designed and created as a partnership with the City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department. Memorial Park is located approximately two miles east of Parkview Field, where the TinCaps play.

“It is fitting to honor each player and the managers of the Fort Wayne Daisies on one of the very sites where they played,” said Steve McDaniel, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director. “These women represented Fort Wayne, our parks and recreational sports with distinction coming out of the World War II conflict and set a tone of excellence and team spirit that we still celebrate today. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is glad to partner with the Fort Wayne TinCaps in this effort to memorialize the names of the Fort Wayne Daisies players with a monument in Memorial Park.”

The TinCaps are hoping that fans of the Daisies will help make the monument possible.

“The Parks & Recreation Department has been incredible to work with on this project,” said Limmer. “From the moment we proposed the idea they have been onboard 100 percent. They created the plans, the layout, the design for the monument, and are covering the cost of preparing the future site and all surrounding landscaping. Now, we just need to fundraise the remaining portion of the project to make this monument happen.”

The TinCaps, Minor League Baseball’s High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, will wear replica Daisies uniforms during their game on Saturday, May 21. The jerseys are being auctioned online with 100 percent of all winning bids going directly toward the monument project.

“The TinCaps are covering the cost of producing the jerseys so all proceeds from the auction will go directly to making this monument a reality,” Limmer said. “Every penny that these jerseys raise is one step closer to making this monument happen. The Fort Wayne Daisies players, and their families, deserve to have their names permanently on display for future generations. We don’t want their legacy to be forgotten.”

Those interested in placing a bid on a jersey can visit the auction site at TinCapsJersey.com. The auction is live now and will close on Sunday, May 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Fans that would like to make a direct donation can visit the GoFundMe page dedicated to the Fort Wayne Daisies monument project at this link.

The TinCaps have also designed specialty Fort Wayne Daisies t-shirts that are currently on-sale in the The Orchard Team Store with $2.00 from each sale going towards the Memorial Park monument project.

MORE INFORMATION ON “FORT WAYNE DAISIES THROWBACK NIGHT”:

The Fort Wayne TinCaps are partnering with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) to host a Fort Wayne Daisies Throwback Night on Saturday, May 21 (6:35 p.m.) as the TinCaps — wearing special Daisies-themed jerseys — take on the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers affiliate).

During the evening, fans can expect to see former players from the Daisies and other AAGPBL teams in attendance. The AAGPBL alumni, and their families, will be recognized on the field during the night and also signing autographs for fans on the concourse. The TinCaps will be honoring and recognizing them for their community contributions and the legacy they built in the game of baseball. In addition, this night will also feature postgame fireworks.

Tickets are available at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, and at the Parkview Field Ticket Office.

The AAGPBL, which operated from 1943-54, has been famously recognized over the years in a variety of ways, such as a special exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and the movie A League of Their Own. Learn more at AAGPBL.org.

Sock Puppets release new community piece, The Aviator 

BURLINGTON, N.C. — Burlington and Alamance County have long been known for their textile heritage, but this industry was only part of what makes this community so special. When the Sock Puppets launched their new name in 2021, they did so to honor that very industry but saw the unique ability to be able to continue to honor various industries, events and people with their new brand. May 16, 2021 marked the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Alamance, and in celebration, the Burlington baseball team launched the first of many Community Sock Puppets. On the 75th anniversary of another marquee location here in Burlington, it’s time they announce another, The Aviator.

When Glenn Huffman and Dover Fogleman built the Fairchild airfield in 1931, they marked the beginning for an industry that has been a key catalyst to the City of Burlington’s and Alamance County’s growth for the next 91 years. As WWII began a few years later, numerous companies, as well as the federal government, occupied the airfield and started producing various pieces of equipment to assist in the war effort. Due to the new industry booming, many new people moved here for work and built a new community on the east side of Burlington. Even though Fairchild airfield closed in the 1960s, the aviation industry continued to grow and thrive in Central North Carolina.

Seeing a further need for expansion of the aviation industry in 1947, it was decided that a new Burlington Airport should be built. Now, as they celebrate 75 years of service to this community, the Burlington Airport continues to grow and assist the growth of the surrounding areas. Servicing both the public and many businesses, the airport is one of the most vital contributors that has been bringing new jobs to Alamance County.

Dan Danieley, the Executive Director of the Burlington-Alamance Airport Authority, sums up the purpose and role of the airport by saying, “the goal of the airport is to serve the community. As a key transportation and logistics hub, The Burlington Alamance Regional Airport is literally connecting our community to the world. We are a critical economic engine for business development, not only in our community but our region as well.”

With now two community characters as a part of their brand, the Sock Puppets continue to try and tell the story of their community in a sockingly different way. “A sock puppet can be anything,” Anderson Rathbun, General Manager of the Sock Puppets, said, “and before we even decided to go with the Sock Puppets moniker and honor the textile heritage, we saw hundreds and hundreds of community members share other pieces of history that they wanted to see embodied in our new brand. Now to come full circle and be able to honor not one, not two, not three but an unlimited amount of history with their respective, unique sock puppets is something we are very proud of.”

To learn more about the Burlington-Alamance Airport Authority click here.

To commemorate the new community sock character, you can now order the limited edition Aviator sock shirt!

Segra Stadium To Host Inaugural ‘Jackie Robinson Showcase’ 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Woodpeckers *will host an inaugural “Jackie Robinson Showcase” on Thursday, May 5th at *Segra Stadium. The showcase will feature three high school baseball teams, including E.E. Smith, Westover and 71st High School. Game times are set for 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The showcase aligns with Minor League Baseball’s new initiative, “The Nine.” Launched in 2022, the initiative is a Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión — the Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

All costs for the showcase will be funded by the Woodpeckers Foundation. Admission is free and open to the public. Food and beverage will also be available on this day. For more information, please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.

Negro Leagues Night a Tradition at Truist Field

Eddie G.G. Burton, pictured middle, helped launch the team’s Negro Leagues Night in 2014. (Laura Wolff/Charlotte Knights)

Since April 15, 2004, Major League Baseball has celebrated Jackie Robinson Day. Every year on that day, players from all around the majors — and countless other teams from around Minor League Baseball — honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson by wearing #42 on their jerseys. Even more so, they stand for what Jackie Robinson stood for when he broke the color barrier on April 15, 1947 — equality.

Now, as the 75th anniversary of Jackie’s debut is on the horizon, baseball is set to celebrate his achievements and the Knights are planning a big Negro Leagues Night this year at Truist Field.

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS TRIBUTE TO THE NEGRO LEAGUES
In Charlotte, the Knights have honored the legacy of Jackie Robinson as well as the history of the Negro Leagues. Since 2014, the Knights have held a special Tribute to the Negro Leagues at the ballpark. At these games each season, all players on the Knights take the field in wear #42 on their jerseys and former players from the Negro Leagues come out to the ballpark to share their stories. In addition, a traveling museum is set up on the concourse by Ray Banks, a Negro Leagues historian. Local Negro Leagues historian, Michael Turner Webb, is also a part of the night to share the history of the Negro Leagues. It is truly a special game each year.

1ST NEGRO LEAGUES NIGHT IN 2014
The first Jackie Robinson Day celebration at Truist Field (then BB&T Ballpark) took place on April 15, 2014. As the Knights moved into their new Uptown Charlotte home just four days earlier, the ballpark was ready for new traditions. Thanks to the vision of Eddie G.G. Burton, a former player in the Negro Leagues and a Charlotte resident, the Knights began their yearly Tribute to the Negro Leagues tradition. With help from Eddie, the event grew each year. More celebrations, more players, and more important messages made it so special. I’m proud to say that it was because of Eddie’s tireless efforts that the event became one of the finest celebrations in all of Minor League Baseball.

Many legendary Negro Leagues players have been honored at the ballpark each year.
Laura Wolff/Charlotte Knights

A YEARLY TRADITION
Although the Knights have not always been home for a game on April 15, the team still always finds a date to honor Jackie and the Negro Leagues. The 2015 celebration took place on May 17 and it was the first time the team welcomed a total of four former players from the Negro Leagues. The 2015 celebration was also the first in which the Knights welcomed a traveling museum.

The Knights celebrated their 3rd Annual Negro Leagues Night on Jackie Robinson Day, April 15, 2016 and their 4th Annual Negro Leagues Night on April 18, 2017. Each of these celebrations featured former players such as Carl Forney, a star pitcher from Belmont, who played in the Negro Leagues with teams such as the Charlotte Black Hornets and Indianapolis Clowns. Other former players such as Luther “Luke” Atkinson, Sam Allen, and Bill Cathcart made it a yearly tradition to visit the Knights for these special tribute nights.

Sadly, Forney passed away on December 16, 2017 and the 5th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Night, which took place on April 17, 2018, honored his memory. Carl’s grandson, Jordan, threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch. In addition, the Knights received a tremendous honor when Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon Robinson, made a special appearance at the ballpark. The Knights presented Sharon with a #42 Knights jersey during an on-field ceremony.

TRIBUTE TO EDDIE G.G. BURTON
Sadly, the 5th Annual Negro Leagues Night was the final one for its founder, Eddie G.G. Burton. On Monday, October 22, 2018, Burton passed away at the age of 88. There since the beginning in 2014, the tribute nights could not have taken place each year without the work of Eddie. On Saturday, November 10, 2018, the Knights held a memorial service at the ballpark for Eddie.

In 2019, with the memory of Eddie GG. Burton on all of our minds, the Knights held their 6th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Night on April 9. On hand for this special tribute to the Negro Leagues and the memory of Eddie, were his wife, Gaile, and son, Keith. In an emotional ceremonial first pitch, Keith looked up to the heavens and threw out the pitch.

KEEPING THE HISTORY OF JACKIE AND THE NEGRO LEAGUES ALIVE
The Knights were scheduled to host their 7th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute during the 2020 season. With the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues that year, the celebration was one many looked for to attending. The team had many big plans for the game. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was first postponed and then ultimately cancelled. In 2021, with restrictions and many protocols still in place, the night was not held for a second consecutive year. That all changes this year as the Charlotte Knights 7th Annual Negro Leagues Night is set for Friday, April 15 on the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier.

Much like in past seasons, the Knights will continue to honor the memory of Jackie Robinson, Eddie G.G. Burton and all of the players who have paved the way.

APRIL 15 at TRUIST FIELD
Friday’s game will feature three former Negro Leagues players on-hand to meet fans and sign autographs. The three former players are Sam Allen, Wali Cathcart (Rock Hill, SC native) and Larry LeGrande. In addition, Johnson C. Smith University will have a table on the concourse to showcase the history of the school’s baseball program. Ray Banks, a Negro Leagues ambassador, will bring his customized historical museum from Baltimore for all fans to enjoy at the game. It features photographs, baseball gear and other artifacts. Michael Turner Webb, a local Negro Leagues historian, will also be on hand to share his knowledge with fans.

The evening will also serve as a tribute to former Negro Leagues player, Eddie G.G. Burton. Sadly, Burton passed away in 2018. He was a big part of putting this annual event together since 2014. His family will be honored during the pre-game festivities. In addition, former Major League Baseball pitcher and founder of the Carolinas Metro Reds, Morris Madden, will perform the National Anthem. The Knights players will wear #42 jerseys when they face the Memphis Redbirds at 7:04 p.m. at Truist Field.

We Honor the Negro Leagues on Jackie Robinson Day

This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson debuting for the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking baseball’s color barrier. In honor of Robinson and many other players who pursued playing professional baseball despite the obstacles that were placed in their path, the Charlotte Knights would like to remember a few players from the Carolinas who were part of making the Negro Baseball Leagues a major league sport, even if it wasn’t properly recognized in their time.

The Taylor family out of South Carolina played a big role in the legacy of the Negro Leagues. The oldest of four Taylor brothers, C.I. Taylor, was born in 1875 in Anderson, SC. In 1904, C.I. founded the first all-black professional team in Birmingham, AL. As manager of the Birmingham Giants from 1904-1909, the eldest Taylor recruited his younger brothers Steel Arm Johnny, Candy Jim, and Ben to play for him. The youngest brother, Ben Taylor, finished his career in the Negro Leagues batting over .300 across 21 seasons. In 2006 Ben was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Another member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Buck Leonard, played from 1935 to 1948 for the Homestead Grays of the Negro National League. Leonard was born in Rocky Mount, NC in 1907. He was compared to Lou Gehrig early in his career. The comparison was not just for his smooth hits and bat swing that resembled Gehrig’s (which was intentional as the teenaged Leonard would take a train up to Washington, DC to watch his favorite player Gehrig and the Yankees play the Senators) but it was more so for his kind and gentle demeanor, which Gehrig was known to have. In 1972, Leonard was inducted into the Hall of Fame after a Negro Leagues career hitting over .340 and a 1.042 OPS.

Dave Barnhill pitched in the professional and semi-pro Negro Leagues and foreign baseball leagues from the mid-1930s up until 1948. Standing only 5’6” tall, one might not be ready for the heater (fastball) coming to the plate from the mound. Not only were batters scared of his fastball, but even Barnhill was quoted as saying he was worried he might hurt a batter. When asked about Barnhill, Cool Papa Bell said, “he threw smoke.” Barnhill was born in Greenville, NC. In 1943 the Pittsburgh Pirates asked Barnhill to tryout for the Major League team. Unfortunately, the Pirates owner canceled the tryout. This was 3 years prior to Jackie Robinson signing with the Dodgers. In 1948, the New York Giants offered Barnhill a Major League contract. In 1950, at age 36, Barnhill and the Minneapolis Millers (minor league team for the Giants) won the American Association Championship. He went 11-3 with a 3.60 ERA that season. Barnhill retired before ever getting a promotion to the New York Giants.

As most remember Jackie Robinson being the first player to break the color barrier in the Major Leagues, some may forget the first player to break the color barrier in the American League was South Carolina native Larry Doby. On July 5, 1947, Doby debuted for the Cleveland Indians becoming Major League’s second black player. Doby was born in Camden, SC before his family moved to New Jersey. While in high school at age 18, Doby began playing professional baseball for the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League. While serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Doby met Mickey Vernon, a star with the Washington Senators who was also serving in the Navy. Vernon is credited with encouraging Doby not to give up on baseball. In 1947, Bill Veeck and his Indians signed Doby to a Major League contract. In his last at-bat in the Negro Leagues, Doby hit a home run for Newark before leaving for Cleveland. After a 13-year career in Major League Baseball, Doby was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. Doby has won two World Series, the 1946 Negro League World Series with the Newark Eagles and the 1948 World Series with the Cleveland Indians.

There were many more players in the Negro Leagues who either played in the Carolinas or were born in the Carolinas that contributed to making the Negro Leagues a major league sport. The Negro Leagues helped Jackie Robinson take the steps to start the breaking of barriers in baseball, in sports, and in our society.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation, founded by Jackie’s wife Rachel, continues to help provide scholarship and leadership programs for minority students and is opening a Jackie Robinson Museum in New York this year.

Jackie Robinson Foundation: https://jackierobinson.org/

MLB’s recognition of the 75th anniversary: https://www.mlb.com/news/jackie-robinson-day-2022-commemoration

Spot of Historic Baseball Stadium to be marked with Monument



For decades, the Tulsa County Fairgrounds served as the home for Tulsa professional baseball. Thanks to the work of Tulsa baseball historian Wayne McCombs and others, the spot of home plate in the original baseball stadium at the Fairgrounds will be marked with a monument to preserve its history as the former Home of Tulsa Professional Baseball.

Expo Center, the Tulsa County commissioners, the Tulsa Drillers and former players will dedicate the home plate plaque at the site on Thursday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m.

“The baseball park was a Tulsa landmark for six decades,” said Tulsa County Commissioner, Stan Sallee. “Baseball has a long history here, and Tulsa County is happy to be a part of this dedication.”

Tulsa County Stadium was a W.P.A. project and opened on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds near 15th and Sandusky on July 11, 1934. It was home for the Tulsa Oilers of the Texas League and was the longest-serving stadium in the history of professional baseball in Tulsa. The University of Tulsa baseball team also occasionally used the stadium for home games.

Its name was changed in 1935 to Texas League Park and then again to Oiler Park in 1961. After the team moved to New Orleans in 1977, the name was changed to Driller Park when Tulsa secured the Drillers franchise to replace the Oilers.

The final game in the stadium was played in September of 1980 as the new Sutton Stadium was opened in April of 1981 just a few hundred yards east of the original stadium.

Several former players who played in the stadium will be on hand for the dedication.

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The public and media members are invited to attend this ceremony. Attendees can use the Tulsa County Fairgrounds Entrance at 15th and Sandusky for access.

Behind the Seam: The fight for inclusivity in baseball



The echo of singing begins to fade as the service slowly comes to an end. As people begin to rush out of the church, Xavier Duckett heads to execute the rest of his Sunday routine at his grandparents house; consuming a meal prepared by his grandmother, followed by a game of catch in the backyard with his grandfather.

The Southwest Virginia native’s love for baseball was sparked when his grandfather, Lucion David Sweetenburg Sr., introduced him to the sport. Together the two would play catch in the backyard, practice hitting and discuss their favorite players.

“Anyone who encountered my grandfather knew that baseball was his thing and it’s what he really advocated for,” Duckett said. “He had a shed full of baseball equipment and we played all the time. He would even hang a tire in the backyard for us to practice throwing accurately.”

Sweetenburg’s passion for the game started as a young boy residing in Roanoke in the 1940s, after learning the ins and outs of the sport and admiring superstars like Hank Aaron, Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds. Those names have now since grown less and less popular among baseball fans today, as representation for African American athletes and fans has started to decline in recent years.

Today, the majority of major league and minor league baseball rosters consist of white players and coaching staff with Dave Roberts and Dusty Baker Jr. being the only two African American managers in the Majors. The lack of diversity in front offices is also alarming as the list of owners, executives and CEOs is similar.

Ray Doswell, the Vice President of Curatorial Services for the Negro League Baseball Museum, has been part of important conversations and research investigating into the decline within in the sport.

“Representation matters and you cannot say that people of color aren’t interested in the game because they have been since the beginning and still are,” Doswell said. “If they did not care the Negro League would not exist. Fans will want to come to games when they feel welcome.”

Doswell has been part of the museum since 1995 and is in charge of collecting artifacts, archives and helping with educational programs.

Aside from the question surrounding the lack of diversity in the stands, Doswell has looked deeply into how the scarcity of African American players is noticeable on all levels of professional baseball.

“There is no feeder system of talent for black athletes to play in their youth which means they usually do not play through high school,” Doswell said. “Since they don’t go to compete in college baseball, there is no minor league opportunity that leads them to the pros.”

While the first sport he ever played was baseball, he later moved exclusively to football in his middle school years after seeing the sport in mainstream media and having more resources for the game in his community.

“In a dominantly black area football and basketball were catered to us more than baseball, so they were more popular to play,” Duckett said.

Though he excelled on the football field and basketball court for North Side High School, he decided to add baseball back into the mix his senior year. Despite leaving the field for a few seasons, he was still surrounded by passion for the game with the influence of his grandfather and knew he could compete at the varsity level.

The only concern from his family after he made his decision to dust off his cleats were the obstacles he would face as an athlete of color.

“My grandfather was really excited for me to start playing again, he even got me new equipment to use,” Duckett said. “The issues I would face as the only black player on the team was something my family was concerned about, but we knew it was unavoidable.”

Behind the scenes he dealt with hardships from every angle.

“There is so much I had to deal with on the internal side, that it made me question if returning was the right decision,” Duckett said.“Knowing I was the only black player on my high school team, I saw a bigger vision of how this could play into my future.”

After graduating high school in 2009, Duckett attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk to play Division I football. After a successful undergraduate career, he left with a bachelor’s degree in human services with a minor in sociology and returned to the Roanoke area.

Once he returned to his hometown, Duckett found his passion for educating and empowering black youth. In 2015 he started The Humble Hustle Co., a non-profit organization that provides resources for youth programs and highlights the importance of giving back.

To increase awareness of Humble Hustle’s mission, Duckett created shirts with the message: Keep Giving. After selling the shirts in various places successfully, he birthed the HMBLE HSTLE Clothing line. Fundraising events and donations from the community primarily have helped the company provide scholarships for girls, outdoor exposure events for inner city youth, and supplies to underprivileged youth. Additionally, the clothing line has helped fund programs including Humble Hikes which provides outdoor recreation to inner-city youth, and Pretty Humble, an empowerment program for young girls.

Duckett hopes that his story paired with his love for baseball, along with passion for Humble Hustle, can help bring awareness to the lack of diversity. Just as his grandfather did with him, he also hopes to pass down a great deal of baseball knowledge and opportunities to the younger generations.

“I think having these conversations regarding the poor treatment and exclusivity makes people uncomfortable. But it’s what needs to happen if there is going to be change, not just here but everywhere,” Duckett said. “Since graduating high school, I have used my fearlessness and passion to help others towards the progression in inclusivity.”

There are many local and nationwide resources available to learn about the history of African American baseball and culture. Resources include the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, based in Roanoke.

June 18, the Salem Red Sox are hosting African American Heritage Night at the ballpark for the third time in the team’s history. The first time the event occurred was during the 2018 season, and the second during the 2021 season.

Salem’s General Manager, Allen Lawrence, understands the importance of making the ballpark a welcoming environment.

“I think it is really important to have nights like this to reach different parts of the community because it shows that the ballpark is for everyone,” Lawrence said. “Overall, it creates an opportunity to get the ball rolling to be more inclusive and have people comfortable coming back to more games in the future.”

Lookouts & The Bessie Smith Cultural Center Announce Negro League Appreciation Weekend

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Lookouts and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center announce Negro League Appreciation Weekend at AT&T Field in partnership with Food City and TVFCU. This two-day celebration will take place on Friday, May 27, and Saturday, May 28 during the Lookouts games against the Birmingham Barons. On Friday night the team will shoot off postgame fireworks and on Saturday the team will give out commemorative seat cushions to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.

“We are excited and incredibly thankful for Food City and TVFCU for their support of this historic weekend at AT&T Field,” said Paula Wilkes, President of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. “It is important to honor the incredible legacy of the Negro Leagues and be able to share their story with the Chattanooga community.”

On Negro League Appreciation Weekend, the Lookouts will wear Chattanooga Choo-Choos jerseys to honor the minor league Negro League team that played at Engel Stadium from 1940 – 1946. The Barons will don the jerseys of the Birmingham Black Barons who were members of the inaugural Negro Southern League in 1920.

The two games between the Choo-Choos and the Black Barons will also feature appearances from former Negro League players. On each night the Negro League alumni will be honored and available for autographs during the game.

Tickets for Negro League Appreciation Weekend are on sale now at Lookouts.com! The rest of the Lookouts 2022 promotional slate will be released on Wednesday, March 16. For more information on how to secure your seats to the season’s best games, including the team’s home opener on April 12, call the Lookouts’ ticket office at 423-267-4TIX.

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About the Chattanooga Lookouts

The Chattanooga Lookouts, a founding member of the Southern League in 1885, are the 2015 & 2017 Southern League Champions and the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The Lookouts play their home games at AT&T Field, located on Hawk Hill in downtown Chattanooga. For more information, keep up with the Lookouts year-round at www.lookouts.com, or by following us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Chattanooga Lookouts), Twitter (@ChattLookouts), and Instagram.