EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Baysox Honor Baseball History

Published on May 26, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - The Bowie Baysox announce today Negro League Tribute Night at Prince George's Stadium Saturday, June 4, as the team takes on the New Britain Rock Cats at 6:35 p.m. The event is presented by Dietz & Watson and features former Negro League players, a celebration of famed Negro League Star Josh Gibson including a bobblehead giveaway, a jersey auction and postgame fireworks.

The first 1,000 fans ages six an up to enter the stadium receive a free centennial bobblehead of former Homestead Gray and Pittsburgh Crawford catcher Josh Gibson, marking what would have been the his 100th birthday. During the game, fans can see memorabilia from Gibson's career courtesy of Gibson's great grandson, Sean Gibson, and the Josh Gibson Foundation. Fans can view photos of Gibson, including one with Babe Ruth, replicas of Gibson hats and jerseys from his career and Hall of Fame plaques from the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame, Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame and the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Baysox Assistant General Manager Phil Wrye looks forward to the event each year. "These players never received the recognition they deserved during their playing careers," Wrye said. "I am so glad we have the opportunity to honor these living legends at the ballpark, and it is great we have been able to partner with the Josh Gibson Foundation to celebrate what would have been his Centennial Birthday this season."

The Baysox are pleased to honor 14 former players and dignitaries in a special pregame ceremony at 6 p.m. After the ceremony, the guests will throw out ceremonial first pitches. During the game, they will sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Guests scheduled to attend are:

Name Position Organization Years

Luther ‚¬Å“Luke ‚¬Â Atkinson

Wilson All-Stars

Carolina Tigers

Satchel Paige All-Stars

Glenarden Braves 1955-56

1957-1958

1960

1964

Eddie Banks 2B Newark Eagles

Newark Phillies 1958-1960

1960-1965

Freddie Battle P Indianapolis Clowns 1959-1966

Jimmy Bland

Indianapolis Clowns 1960-1962

Leo Burnette CF Harrisburg Giants 1947-1957

Al Burrows P/1B/OF New York Black Yankees

Kansas City Monarchs

Indianapolis Clowns 1954

1954

1955-1962

Geraldine Day

Wife of the late Mr. Leon Day

Bruno DiMortile P Harrisburg Giants 1954-1955

Sean Gibson

Great grandson of legendary Negro League player Josh Gibson, representing the Josh Gibson Foundation

Ed Nork P Harrisburg Giants 1954-1955

Bob Scott P Macon Braves

Macon Cardinals

New York Black Yankees

Boston Blues

Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training

Sandersville Giants 1941-1943

1943-1945,

1952-1954

1946-1950

1946

1951

1955

Pedro Sierra P Baltimore Bruins

Greensboro Red Wings 1951

1952-1953

Danny Warner P Harrisburg Giants 1955

Jim Weedon RF Harrisburg Giants 1954-1955

The Baysox take the field for the game in replica Homestead Grays jerseys that are auctioned off during the game with proceeds benefitting the Josh Gibson Foundation. The cream-colored jerseys feature a Josh Gibson Centennial patch on the sleeve.

Baysox Baseball - We'll Knock Your 'Sox Off. The Baysox 19th season as the class Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway. Parking is free at every Baysox home game and tickets are now available at www.baysox.com or by calling the Baysox box office at (301) 464-4865.

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Eastern League Stories from May 26, 2011


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