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Colonials to Salute the Negro Leagues

July 7, 2011 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Pittsfield Colonials News Release


PITTSFIELD, MA - The Pittsfield Colonials will honor one of the richest eras in baseball history on Friday, July 8 with a Salute to the Negro Leagues.

A special 7:30 p.m. first pitch is scheduled for Friday's game against the Newark Bears. As part of the ceremonies, Massachusetts governor, Deval Patrick, will throw out the first pitch. The Colonials will honor Baseball Hall of Famer and Pittsfield native Ulysses Frank Grant. Grant played in both the Negro League and the International League from 1886-1903.

Prior to the game, a discussion will be held at 6:45 to explain the importance of the Negro Leagues in baseball history. Following the game a double-long fireworks show will be held, sponsored by Pittsfield Co-op.

The team that Pittsfield is playing on Friday is significant as well. Newark was the home of the Newark Eagles. In 1946, the Eagles put together what many consider to be the finest Negro League team ever assembled. The Eagles featured four future Hall of Famers including Larry Doby, who broke the color barrier in the American League by appearing for the Cleveland Indians on July 5, 1947; Monte Irvin, who played for eight seasons with the New York Giants and led the National League in RBI in 1951 (121); pitcher Leon Day and manager Biz Mackey.

For tickets to the Salute to the Negro Leagues or any other games in the three-game set against the Bears, call 413-236-2961 or visit pittsfieldcolonials.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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