The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHOF) Baseball game at Prince George’s Stadium, on Sept. 1, continued the 15-year tradition of the Classic East vs. West game, in honor of the Negro All Star game, which started in 1933. In addition to the annual commemorative game, which started in 2009, the event highlighted Negro league history and engaged the whole family. “The beauty of baseball is its diversity, but it doesn’t get talked about a lot and that’s what we want to do,” said NLLHOF founder Dwayne Renal Sims, describing how the event comes together every year. “We all — including myself — volunteer. I don’t get paid to do this, it’s from my heart. I want to make sure our history is part of American history.”
Vendors sold vintage Negro League memorabilia like jerseys and jackets, including original Tuskegee Airmen bomber jackets.
Bill Scott won first place with his 1968 Chevrolet Convertible at the Negro League Legends Auto Show. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)Further, families lined up for refreshments and freshly grilled food from the concessions while jamming to the sounds of a live DJ.The fun-filled day also included an auto showcase that featured vintage and unique trucks, motorcycles and luxury transportation of all designs and colors, and winners received trophies after impressing audiences and judges alike with their flashy rides.Between the car show and the baseball, there was a lot of friendly competition, but all for good cause — exposing more African American audiences to the historic significance of Black people in baseball.“I love to compete,” said pitcher Marcus Smith of the East All Stars. “I want to put on a show for everybody but I want to prove that baseball can be exciting and Black athletes can play [baseball] well and correctly.”
Children and families roared in excitement when big hits were made. The crowd screamed with delight and suspense anytime a foul ball came flying into the stands.Third baseman Rex Jackson told The Informer through playing baseball, he hopes to inspire Black youth to also pursue the sport. “Growing up there weren’t many people of color playing baseball but I’ve recently seen young Black kids getting into it more,” he said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but our youth is starting to see how good they can be at it and we want to show them by putting on a show.”The Washington Informer was a media partner for this event. Other partners included Lafayette Federal Credit Union, WHUR 96.3, Parks & Recreation MNCPPC, CommuniCare, Impact Enterprises and ESPER.Prince George’s County Associate Judge Darren Johnson told The Informer attending the Negro League East vs West game is about more than showing support for a baseball game.
“I’m here to support the community,” Johnson said. “I think events like this reflect on our history and show how far we’ve come and our significance in the American fabric.”
Source: Washington Informer
