EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

Several Former Players to Attend Negro League Tribute

June 22, 2004 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


FirstEnergy Stadium -- The Reading Phillies will celebrate "African-American Heritage Night" with a Tribute to the Negro Leagues on Wednesday, June 23 when they play host to the Harrisburg Senators at 7:05 PM at FirstEnergy Stadium. Both teams will wear replica Negro League uniforms and several former players will be on hand.

*The event will be emceed by Charlie Adams, author of Baseball in Reading.

*In addition, music from the Negro League era will be played throughout the ballgame. Both the Reading Phillies and the Harrisburg Senators will be wearing a variety of Negro League uniforms, All-Star style, during the game.

*CPAAM and the NAACP will both have table displays. Numerous African-American community organizations, churches and their representatives are expected to be in attendance.

*The on-field festivities will begin at 6:40 PM with a special pre-game ceremony which includes:

*A presentation on the History of African-American Baseball in Reading by Frank Gilyard, SR. Mr. Gilyard is a historiographer from the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum (CPAAM).

*Jackie Robinson's No. 42, which was officially retired in the Major and Minor Leagues in 1997, will be unveiled on a new display beyond the outfield wall where it will be permanently showcased.

Former Negro League Players scheduled to appear are:

*Carl Long - Birmingham Black Barons (1952-53)

*Joe Durham - Chicago American Giants (Early 1950's) (2nd African-American to play for Baltimore)

*Luther Atkinson - Satchel Paige All Stars (1960) Carolina Tigers (1957-59) Wilson All Stars (1956)

*Al Burrows - NY Black Yankees (1954) Indianapolis Clowns (1955-62)

*Cliff Layton - NY Black Yankees (1954) Indianapolis Clowns (1951-53)

*Robert Scott - NY Black Yankees (1942-46) Played with Jackie Robinson, Was on the 1950 Jackie *Robinson All Stars Barnstorming Team

*Harold Gould - Philadelphia Stars (1946-48)

*Rev. Henry Mason - Kansas City Monarchs (1950-54) Philadelphia Phillies & played in Reading

The highlight of the evening will be the introduction of several Negro League players who will be in attendance at the game. The players will each throw a first pitch during the pre-game ceremonies and will be available throughout the game to sign autographs for $5.00 with all proceeds directly benefiting the Negro League Alumni.

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