RiverDogs to Feature Negro League Baseball Night on Saturday
August 14, 2007 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release
CHARLESTON, SC - As part of the Charleston RiverDogs' eight-game homestand against the Augusta GreenJackets that begins Friday, the organization will salute the Negro League with a special baseball night, presented by Hilton's Mortuary, on Saturday, August 18.
The RiverDogs will again welcome members of the 1955 Cannon Street All-Stars, who, more than a half-century ago, won the state and regional Little League tournaments by default. None of the 61 all-white Little League teams would play the all-black team locally, statewide or regionally.
The All-Stars were invited to attend the 1955 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA, but could not play because officials ruled that they had advanced to the championship without actually playing on the field. Spectators at the tournament chanted, "Let them play."
"We honor these gentlemen and their fight for equality by hosting an event that will continue to spread this tremendous story of strength through adversity," said RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols.
On Saturday the RiverDogs will feature Negro League Baseball Night, highlighted with a New York Black Yankees replica jersey giveaway, sponsored by Comcast, to the first 1,000 fans through the gates. In addition, three former Negro League players will be on hand with memorabilia and will be available to sign autographs.
The three former Negro League players who are expected to attend include Larry LeGrande, who played for the Indianapolis Clowns; Clifford Layton, who played with the New York Black Yankees; and Robert Williams, who played with the Birmingham Black Barons. Players will have Negro League memorabilia and be on hand for autographs
In addition, the club will also induct Jim Clyburn into the Charleston RiverDogs Humanitarian Hall of Fame. The Humanitarian Hall of Fame is award given annually by the RiverDogs, and is for dedicated service to the community of Charleston. Some of the past recipients include Phillip Simmons, Modie Risher and Lee Bennett.
"We are honoring Congressman Clyburn because of his past and current work that he has done and is doing for the Lowcountry," said Director of Sales Harold Craw, who is helping coordinate the day's festivities. "Congressman Clyburn is a true role model and we at the RiverDogs wish to acknowledge his many contributions o our community."
Also on that afternoon, there will be up to 1,000 youth at the game as part of the organization's Larry Doby Passion for the Community Day.
Through this program, Lowcountry non-profit organizations registered to receive tickets to bring a group to this specific home game which otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend.
Doby, a native of Camden, SC, was the first African-American player in the American League, and was signed by Bill Veeck, father of RiverDogs' co-owner Mike Veeck. Doby was a power-hitting center fielder and a key member of the Cleveland Indians' pennant winners in 1948 and 1954. Before joining the Indians, he starred with the Negro National League's Newark Eagles for four seasons, leading them to a championship in 1946. A nine-time All-Star (seven times with the Indians and twice with the Eagles), Doby led the American League twice in homers. Doby also played with the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers, and was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame by the Committee on Baseball Veterans in 1998. He died on June 18, 2003, in Montclair, NJ. Doby's presence continues to be felt throughout Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park as his jersey No. 14 is retired on the center field wall, and large picnic areas above the third base line is also named "Doby's Deck." He had made several appearances at RiverDogs games.
Saturday's game with the Augusta GreenJackets will begin at 7:05 p.m.
For ticket information, please contact the RiverDogs Box Office at (843)577-DOGS (3647) or order online at www.riverdogs.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from August 14, 2007
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- Augusta Wins in 10th - Augusta GreenJackets
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- Drive Erase Six-Run Deficit to Down 'Claws - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Intimidators Cannot Score Enough to Keep up with Suns - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Chapman Ties Franchise Record with 20th Home Run - Charleston Dirty Birds
- 'Jackets Sting 'Birds in the 10th - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Gnats Down Legends, 5-4 - Lexington Legends
- Big Inning Lifts Rome Past Hoppers - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- RiverDogs to Feature Negro League Baseball Night on Saturday - Charleston RiverDogs
- Your Chance to Sing at FirstEnergy Park!!! - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Suns take down Intimidators in 11 - Hagerstown Suns
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