SAL1 Delmarva Shorebirds

Honoring A "Giant" Part of Baseball History

Published on June 2, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Delmarva Shorebirds News Release


For over 100 years America's favorite pastime has been front and center in the sporting world. As Major League Baseball rapidly expanded during its infancy, African Americans were not recruited or allowed to play at the professional level. Therefore, leagues of extremely talented ball players began to spring up around the country and Andrew "Rube" Foster formed the first successful Negro League in 1920. Your Delmarva Shorebirds will honor the triumphs of Rube Foster and the other great African American men who played the game so gracefully.

The first pitch will be thrown on Thursday, June 15 at 7:05pm, as Your Hometown Team takes on the Lakewood BlueClaws as the 'Birds will wear the replica jerseys of the Baltimore Elite Giants. Perdue Stadium will once again transform its 2nd floor concourse into the auction zone to benefit a continuing partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. A portion of the funds from the jersey auction will support "Your Delmarva Shorebirds Scholarship Fund at UMES."

The evening will also be highlighted by the appearance of five former Negro league greats. On hand will be Al Burrows, who played for the Black Yankees and the Indianapolis Clowns. Joe Durham, who played for the Chicago American Giants and was the second African-American player to play for the Baltimore Orioles. Luther Atkinson, who played on the Satchel Paige All-Stars. At the Stadium will be, Hubert "Bert" Simmons who played for various teams throughout his 12-year professional career, including the Baltimore Elite Giants. And finally, William "Sonny" Randall who played on the famous Great Lakes Naval team with Larry Doby. These former greats will be on hand throughout the game to sign autographs, have pictures taken and answer fans questions about their stories while playing in the Negro Leagues.

"Negro League Night is a way for Your Delmarva Shorebirds to remember a very important and significant chapter in the history of baseball in America. The African-American players that participate in the Negro Leagues during their prime were not recognized at the time by this nation for their amazing accomplishments. We are trying to do our part to help them mark their place in history, before this great generation of players is no longer with us." General Manager, Stephen C. Yaros stated. "Your Shorebirds will wear special "Baltimore Elite Giants" Jerseys to help show their support, plus raise money for a wonderful scholarship at UMES. It will be a great night to help recognize diversity on The Eastern Shore and bring the family out to watch some terrific baseball action!"

As part of the pre-game ceremonies, Your Delmarva Shorebirds will honor the life of Baltimore Orioles' Legend, Elrod Hendricks. Hendricks was a catcher and coach in Major League Baseball for 37 years. During his 12-year career, Elrod played 658 out of his 711 games with the Baltimore Orioles, which included three consecutive trips to the World Series from 1969-71. Hendricks is most remembered for his 28-year role as the bullpen coach for the Orioles, the longest coaching tenure in Orioles history.

To help make this night a success, Magic 98.9 of Clear Channel Radio of Salisbury will be promoting this event. Your Shorebirds also would like to thank The University of Maryland Eastern Shore on a continuing partnership and the formation of "Your Delmarva Shorebirds UMES Scholarship Fund", which this evening will benefit.

For ticket information on this extraordinary event or any other upcoming Shorebirds Baseball Games and exciting promotions, please call (410) 219-3112 or visit www.theshorebirds.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 2, 2006


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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