On Saturday, June 20th, the Major League Baseball organization honors all members of all black men who played and participated in Negro League Baseball. The ceremony took place at the Rickwood Field Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.
The game between St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants was headlined as “A Tribute to the Negro League.” MLB honored former legendary player Willie Mayes who started his career in the Negro League playing for the Birmingham Black Barons before transitioning to the MLB. Sadly, Willie Mays passed away on Tuesday, June 18th, at 93.
A Chicago Native known as Julious “Satchel” Sledge was also recognized for his tremendous work in the Negro League. Sledge was #44 on the Indianapolis Clowns for six years. He was celebrated with family and friends at the age of 82.
