My Conversation With Curator Dr. Raymond Doswell--The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Rube Foster is the very reason The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's home is based in Kansas City, Missouri. On February 14, 1920, this Baseball Great--a pitcher, manager and eventual big time executive for the Chicago American Giants--personally rounded up businessman, mostly in the mid-west, to start up The Negro National League. An eight-team league formed at The Kansas City YMCA--a building that still exits--just a few short yards from The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's front door today.





From those humble beginnings, The Negro Leagues thrived in The United States Of America. Sure, there were the ups and downs, leagues folding, teams jumping elsewhere for more cash, but what Mr. Foster accomplished was the very first stable and legitimate competition for African-American Baseball Players in the first half of the 20th Century. A ground breaking league that would spawn five spinoffs (The Eastern Colored Leagues, American Negro League, East-West League, Negro Southern League and The Negro American League). All coming to life on the reassurances that African-Americans could play competitive baseball on a professional level and there was fan base wanting to see them perform.

As Bob Kendrick, The Vice-President of Marketing for The Negro Leagues Museum mentioned in our first installment, the American Spirit thrived in The Negro Baseball Leagues. A league structure that brought black baseball to major urban centers of these United States. Competition that displayed a high level of skill that also became centerpieces for economic development.

Make no mistake about it, The Negro Leagues were big business and if you ever have the opportunity to visit The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum--that very fact will be staring you down--face to face. But understand, there is no way in these posts on Nats320 that we could do justice to all the museum offers baseball fans, or those interested in the divided history that America offered back then. But what Sohna and I hope to do is peak your interest, give you the flavor, the hope and even a little bit of the turmoil that existed during the 40 Years of Baseball History's lesser known stories. Facts that should be never forgotten.

With that in mind, Dr. Raymond Doswell, The Vice-President Of Curatorial Services at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, sat down with me in the "Field of Legends" halfway through my personal tour. We discussed what I had personally witnessed at that point. Then, we got off on a tangent to talk more about modern day issues--the Negro League Throwback Days and how fewer and fewer African-Americans make up Major League Rosters each and every year of late. But then we returned to the importance of the very existence of the NLBM.

With that here is my conversation with Dr. Raymond Doswell, Vice President of Curatorial Services at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri which took place on August 11th, 2009.

Very early in the game you can see here at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum black players being integrated in the game. Then (Hall of Famer) Cap Anson comes along and he uses his power to put a stop to integrated baseball. Was he the most influential voice in getting blacks out of the game early? (SBF)

“I think he was among those. I believe other baseball players in general just did not want to accept African-Americans. And I think a number of communities, even those which might have an interest in these players—the communities outside of baseball--were not accepting them playing together. I am sure you saw some other quotes here that talked about players just not being inclined to playing with African-American Players. I think what is interesting is that, as time goes on, a number of players, especially superstar white players--when you get into the 1930’s, 40’s & 50’s, that attitude starts to change. But it has often been said that the regular guys, the average (white) ballplayers, they were the ones holding on to segregation. One because of their racial attitudes and two—you are going to be opening the floodgates for jobs now for everyday players. And they knew they would then have to compete with black players. That made integration (in baseball) a very slow process in general.”

It is also odd, from my perspective, that African-Americans in World War II are fighting overseas in Europe, basically to combat fascism. And yet when those African-American Soldiers returned to The United States, they can’t compete on the very same ball fields with White Americans. (SBF)

“There is a great deal of irony when you look at baseball and American society and how things were mirrored. You can go back to the Spanish-American War and World War 1 where African-American baseball players were heavily involved in those conflicts. Racism was such that the black regiments in World War 1 were commanded by whites and had to fight with The French in those battles. And there were a number of ballplayers like, David Malarcher and Spotwood Poles, who were a part of those regiments. And as you noted, the irony of black baseball players fighting the war against fascism and racism and not being able to afford certain rights at home in The United States is not lost on the black media. It is not lost on many white fans in this country. And I think it is especially, in World War II, when you really start to see things change—at least the attitudes of people in this country.”

It’s also interesting that you had a white owner like J.L. Wilkinson of The Kansas City Monarchs who helped push forward black baseball along with many other African-American Owners. Yet, you also had a business surrounding the game itself—hotels run by blacks; the restaurants run by blacks. It was a completely separate fabric of life. (SBF)


“This is what African-Americans had to do. They created their own world separate from the mainstream because that was what was left to them. In many respects, this is a story of people building institutions, baseball, jazz music, schools, churches and everything else outside the realm of segregation and oppression. But when it comes to something like baseball, they chose baseball. Maybe some of them should not have been playing baseball. They should have maybe been working in the factories and other types of things making real money (chuckling). But they (African-Americans) chose it because they enjoyed the game. They enjoyed watching the (New York) Yankees and (Boston) Red Sox and other teams too. But to see their own on the field and be able to support that meant a lot to them and their communities.”

Is it also ironic that you had an owner like Clark Griffith of The Washington Senators making money off The Homestead Grays by renting Cumberland Posey (Grays Owner) his stadium and receiving more gate receipts than he did with his very own team? (SBF)

“That is not lost on a number of historians. The economic impact of not only having black players perform better for your team, but to have the black fans come out and support them—is amazing. The Senators and Mr. Griffith benefited from The Negro Leagues and segregation in that way. The New York Yankees benefited from it. In fact, their benefit was two-fold. They (The New York Yankees) owned the Newark ballpark. The Newark Bears (Yankees Farm Club) would rent it to The Newark Eagles. They (Yankees) owned The Kansas City Blues and the ballpark that was here in Kansas City—which they rented to The Kansas City Monarchs. Teams in Detroit and other places (in the Major Leagues) also had agreements in place with Negro League Teams to get gate receipts and share monies from their games. And in the rare instances like in Pittsburgh with Gus Greenlee (Owner of The Pittsburgh Crawfords) who created Greenlee Field, and in Memphis with Martin Stadium and the Martin Brothers--they were the few teams that could control their own stadiums and build their own ballparks.”

With all that going on, why were Gus Greelee and Cum Posey arch rivals?

“Yeah. Arch rivals and with biographies so desperately contrasting. Greelee was a military veteran that came back (to The States) and became a businessman and Numbers Runners, but funded baseball because he had wealth. Posey was an educator and an athlete and by all accounts—a law abiding citizen (chuckling—in a good way). But was able to pull together talent to play baseball. And their successes ebbed and flowed in Pittsburgh. Ultimately, Posey had to turn to Numbers Runners to help support his team when they went to Washington. He needed that support because that was where the wealth was. But, by all accounts, both men were well respected in baseball and built some really great ball clubs.”


How important were reporters like Sam Lacy and Wendell Smith to The Negro Leagues? (SBF)

“You don’t want to underestimate the role of the media—especially those two guys for a number of reasons. Even though they were writing primarily for the African-American community and the African-American Press, they were there to try to play eyewitness to the success. And they did have the ears of some of the owners. They were respected. They covered baseball in general and they were respected in that regard to let the owners know that--hey here are some great guys (talent). And even when integration happened, someone like Lacy would get the chance to travel with those ballplayers. It was needed because players like Jackie Robinson had to stay all by himself. He didn’t have any teammates to stay with (once he joined The Montreal Royals and The Brooklyn Dodgers). And it was the reporters that were there to cover those times and even stay with them. On one hand that could present some media bias to some degree, but thank goodness they were there. It helped move the experiment along and it helped chronicle what happened so we have information on that important history.”


If I had gone to an East-West Game in Chicago during say 1935, would I have been the only white person there? (SBF)

“No. In Chicago, especially no considering the large crowds they were trying to attract at a big ballpark like that. Chicago no, maybe even the games played in New York City and Washington, D.C.--no either. Maybe, in the everyday game in New York City that might have been a Friday or Sunday game between The Black Yankees and another team, there were probably just a handful of whites. I say that because I was just telling someone else this the other day. I had a white patron come in and he said he lived right down the street from Yankee Stadium in The Bronx. We used to go to Yankee games all the time he said. But he had no clue they were playing black baseball games there on Sundays. “I could have gone. I could have been there!!” he said. “I could have seen it. Why did I not get a chance to see that?” He reflected back and he thought about what his dad would say about that. And when he would ask his father about those types of issues (segregation) his dad would respond: “We just don’t get together. It’s just something we just don’t do.” And this man didn’t understand it. And it was a shame. So, he knew he had missed out on something—especially after he came here to the museum and saw what this history was all about.”

Jumping forward to today, baseball has always been popular in The United States, but African-Americans probably have the lowest amount of participation in The Majors in many years these days. Can this museum do anything to help re-invigorate African-American youths to play baseball? I know you guys are involved with MLB’s RBI Program. (SBF)



“Just look around this museum and the great irony again is you see that this coach or this community loved this game. Not only did they love it, they made it a part of their lives. They made careers out of it. It was part of their community. It was part of their livelihoods. Where the museum gets involved is we just have to remind people that as baseball fans—this is your game. You (African-Americans) have ownership in baseball's greatness in this country as any other culture that is around here. At the same time, it is important to remind Major League and Minor League Baseball to invest in communities where people are who can love the game—if they only have the opportunity to do so. Hopefully, we will see more participation.”

“On one hand I am torn in this instance because if less blacks are playing baseball then hopefully they are becoming doctors, lawyers and teachers—what we need more of in this country—as opposed to football players and basketball players who everyone is wringing their hands about. But, if baseball can be a vehicle as a means to an end—if you are lucky enough to become a professional player making millions of dollars—that part of your career might last until you are around 40 (years of age). Sports should really be a springboard for doing something else because you still have the rest of your life to live. Hopefully another 30, 40, 50 or 60 years to make a contribution. And if you are in a unique position—especially if you become a major success—you can use your fame and popularity to really make a difference.”

“So, we just have to remind people that this museum is here to remind us that this is our game. This is the game we love and we can continue to love. And hopefully in that way, it helps wake up young people to consider baseball as a great activity. And remind those who are the "Powers That Be" in baseball that here is a community that once thrived in your game and you should not forget about them. Invest in these communities like we invest internationally in baseball. We invest in the Caribbean. And I want to make this point: A lot of people who talk about this see a huge distinction between African-Americans and Latinos in the game. I see that as still one whole cultural mix because we came through this together and that is something important to me personally. Yet, MLB and others make major investments in those places (abroad) for baseball. And they are starting to make that investment in the urban communities, but it is not on the same level. We are making the investment internationally, but they need to invest more in America and they need to invest more into the African-American community. And if they do, they will find that this is an emerging market for both players and fans.”

In hopes of doing just that, The Washington Nationals are looking to build a D.C. Baseball Academy in Washington, D.C. It’s been held up over political wrangling over a land transfer. (SBF)

“That’s good. We hope to do something similar here in Kansas City. I know there are efforts in Atlanta and New York and with the successful baseball academy out in California already (Carson, suburb of L.A.). So I just encourage them to continue fighting for that because this place, this museum, is evidence that people have interest, had interest, and we know there is athletic talent out there to harness.”


Is The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum involved with the Negro League Throwback Days that occur each year now in many Major League Parks? (SBF)

“Yes, we are involved in most of the national celebrations, especially here in Kansas City. We pick the uniforms for the teams to wear. The Kansas City Royals have been very supportive of us. We (The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum) own The Kansas City Monarchs name. We give The Royals permission to use the uniform. And we advise them historically on what they should pick. Then, they donate the uniforms back to us, which we sell at the end of the year to raise money for our educational programs. We receive great support from The Pittsburgh Pirates who have taken their uniforms and sold them to split among their charities while making major contributions to us. And we have advised many Major and Minor League Teams on what to do and how to do their (throwback) games.”

It costs $15,000 to $20,000 to fully outfit any two teams for a Negro Leagues Throwback Day. Dollars which many Major Leagues Teams attempt to push toward sponsorships in their communities to defray the costs.


“I am always concerned when I hear a team is doing an event and they haven’t called us because I always fear the uniforms are not going to come out right. You can’t always be 100% historically accurate but there is so much that can be done—problematically--as well as to the look on the field, so not to just throw something out there. But we know The Braves have done some things in the past. Also, The Reds, The Brewers, The Nationals, The Tigers—who run a really big program. And The Padres of all teams too—although they don’t wear the uniforms but do so (monetarily) in support of (Hall of Famer) Dave Winfield—who is a big supporter of the museum. He makes sure there is always a tribute to The Negro Leagues and The Padres have been a top supporter of the museum in that regard.”

Where do you see this museum going in the next 20 years? (SBF)



“There are a couple of things we need to do. This exhibit (Field Of Legends) has been really popular. It has really drawn in a lot of great fans. We always feel like we need more space. But what we really need the space for is for research. So we can welcome reporters and researchers and not just baseball researchers, but people who are interested in films, novels and especially students who want to get deeper into the history. We have archives, but we also need archives. We know there is an interest in that. And it is that function of the museum that constantly examines the history, always looking for where we can get more truth, not just the folklore, keep the story alive and make it accessible to the public. We need a space to do that. We are hoping to build a research center and right now that tentative plan is to refurbish the old YMCA Building where The Negro Leagues were founded to do that. Whether we are able to do that with the building or not, there is going to be some type of research facility which is the next major thing we need to do. But we also want to continue adding as many artifacts as we can. We have photographs and things we want to add. As you can see almost every corner is taken up in this space, but there are things we want to add and add strategically. We are always examining a new way to present the history. We have a very traditional way of presenting the history now. You read a lot and you look at a lot. What we don't want to do is embrace technology just to have it, but whatever it takes to meet the needs and to educate more and different audiences we always want to examine that. So, if that means ripping this out (Field of Legends) and doing it completely over again—we have to be open minded to that as well. We also know there is a nostalgia element that this exhibit works very well for. I don’t see any major changes in the next two or three years, but we are always going to constantly examine how we can present the history better.”

When my wife, Sohna and I went to The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2008, one of the curators—John Odell (Who Dr. Doswell knows)--told us that not many current players show up to visit there--other than Ichiro. Is that the same here? (SBF)

“We are in a better position than The National Baseball Hall of Fame in that you have got to make an effort to go up and visit The Hall of Fame. So, unless you happen to be in town, it’s difficult for ballplayers to get up to Cooperstown, unless you come in the off-season. Here, we are fortunate because we are a Major League Town (The Kansas City Royals). So, yeah, guys pop in here all the time. Sometimes unannounced, sometimes it’s a pretty formal thing. Sometimes, they are invited specifically for something. As an example, just last week, we had Don Wakamatsu (Manager of The Seattle Mariners) for special programs. Since he is the first Asian-American Manager, we felt that was important for us to highlight and he was gracious enough to accept the invitation and come. The Tampa Bay Rays Manager (Joe Maddon) and others have come through. We have a program called “The Legacy Awards” which honors Major League Baseball players with season ending awards named after Negro Leaguers. We had Cliff Lee (2008 AL Cy Young Award Winner) here last year. He was an award winner. Joe Maddon was a recipient last year. He could not make it to the ceremony, but when his team came to town this year he came over. He got his award and he presented us with a donation."

"You would be surprised at those who come in to visit. Ichiro actually has come here too. One day he popped in unannounced. I wasn’t here. I was at an event. He didn’t really look around the museum that much, but he wanted to do some shopping, bought a Josh Gibson Jersey. I am not sure how many people actually recognized him. But then he came back a year after Mr. O’Neil passed away and he made a contribution in Buck O’Neil’s honor. A major cash contribution to the museum. Ryan Howard (of The Phillies) was apparently popping in here for years. How anyone that large can be missed is beyond me (laughing). He has some connections here in Kansas City, but he is from St. Louis. And he says he tries to stop by before the start of every season when he is here visiting relatives and people in Kansas City. And one year, he just happened to show up when I was here and I had the chance to talk with him. So, whenever we ask him for things—and his family is so great—he helps outs. You honestly never know who is going to pop in here. And not just baseball players, we get the football stars, actors, actresses and politicians."


"Kansas City is in the middle of the country. The city is set in the middle of the country. People come here for conventions all the time. And in comparison to Cooperstown, they just show up here and enjoy the museum and we are thankful for that. And for all our different events, we reach out to the many (Major League) baseball teams for donations—autographed items and things we can auction off for the museum. We are fortunate in that way as compared to Cooperstown. I don’t think Cooperstown has had a President visit in quite a few years. But we’ve had President Clinton, Governor Bush at the time of his visit, Vice-President Gore--when we were in our old space. We had The First Lady—Michelle Obama recently. But it’s not just our location, there is a real serious interest in the topic which has made it very easy for us to attract a number of people. Of course, we would like more, but it's hard to get a Major League Baseball player out of bed when they are on the road. Although, people like Dusty Baker (Cincinnati Manager)—especially now since The Reds will come in here for Inter-League play--will come over more often. Even in the past, he would make a point to come over and visit us. The last time he was in---he brought his coaches and players with him (from The Cincinnati Reds). He told everyone to come on over and experience this place with him. And they did."

"It was nice moment shared."

With those final words, My Conversation With Raymond Doswell, Vice-President Of Curatorial Services at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri concluded. But, we are not done with our stories just yet. Tomorrow, a visual look through The NLBM followed by My Final Conversation With Bob Kendrick, Vice-President Of Marketing at the museum. Bob and I found out we share a common passion for the game and Mr. Kendrick was as wonderful at answering my many questions the second time around as he was in our first chat. Those stories coming over the next few days here on Nats320. Hope you are enjoying this special tour.

All Photos shot at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum--Copyright Nats320--All Rights Reserved. Courtesy and Usage granted by The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. No reproduction or usage granted without written permission of Nats320 & The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

My Conversation With Bob Kendrick--The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

"I tell people all the time, I think the story of The Negro Leagues embodies The American Spirit unlike any story in the annals of American History. It is everything we pride ourselves on about being American. This is about pride. This is about passion. It’s about courage. It’s about perseverance. It is about the refusing of accepting the notion that you are unfit to do anything."

Those wonderful words spoken by Bob Kendrick, Vice President Of Marketing, at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. On the heels of our trip to Pittsburgh and visit with Sean Gibson at The Josh Gibson Foundation, it just so happened I was heading to Kansas City for business one week later where an opportunity arose to visit The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Having been to K.C. four times previously over the past eight years, I have never had to opportunity before to visit this most cherished of monuments telling the story of Black Baseball's History In America. And when mentioned to Sean Gibson my ideas about visiting and pursuing a few stories--he readily jumped on board--and put me in contact with Mr. Kendrick.






The entire experience could not have been better. Come on over when you get here, let's talk, said Bob, and we shall show you around. Did they ever!! Nearly six hours after I arrived at the corner of 18th & Vine in the historic Paseo Section of Kansas City on August 11th, only the real business that took me to K.C. in the first place, took me away from The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. What was presented, displayed and talked about during my time there turned into one of my best educational experiences ever at any museum.







Nothing sugarcoated here folks. The triumphs and glory of professional black baseball is wonderfully displayed, right alongside the bigotry and segregation that led directly to The Negro Leagues very existence. The trials and tribulations of playing baseball in the time of black only diners/hotels and restrooms--all surrounding the "Field Of Legends". Life Size Statues placed on a mini baseball diamond inside The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Iconic Statues of Black Baseball's Greatest!! They were just TERRIFIC!!




But you have to start somewhere and at 9:30AM that August 11th, Bob and I met in his conference room for the first of two chats. This was the preliminary discussion--get an idea of what the museum is all about. Then he let me loose to browse anything of interest. During that tour, Dr. Raymond Doswell, Vice President Of Curatorial Services sat down with me in the "Field Of Legends" for a solid history lesson of The Negro Leagues. And finally, after all my touring was completed and the shopping was finished at The Museum Gift Shop, Bob Kendrick and I got together one final time for a good 30-minute chat discussing and going over what was witnessed by me that day. Mr. Kendrick answered all my many questions while getting the word out about the importance of The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum which--fittingly--shares a space with The American Jazz Museum. A match some would say was made in heaven.

Just sorry that Sohna could not be with me on this trip. She enjoyed our visit to The National Baseball Hall Of Fame in January, 2008. But you can bet, we are going to make a second trip back. She has got to witness all The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum provides.

So, you probably guessed by now with The Josh Gibson Field Story yesterday and The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Posts beginning today--this week is Negro Leagues Week On Nats320. There is so much to cover here there will be a few more posts to follow. And to get things started, here is the first of two chats with Bob Kendrick, Vice-President of Marketing of The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.

With all that important preamble out of the way--here we go:

“We will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary next year. We are in the midst of planning a major 20-year anniversary for the full year in 2010. This is a tremendous milestone for a museum of this nature because we are as grass roots of an organization, as you will ever encounter. We started this museum in a conference space--about as big as this conference room we are sitting in right now and talking (laughter)--across the street inside the old historic Lincoln Building. And it has been amazing to personally witness the growth of this museum. Obviously, through the hard work of a lot of people who believed in this project, and would not give up on this project for what it represented. Of course, all led by the late Buck O’Neil, who was so instrumental in the rise of this great museum. So, it’s been a tremendous journey for us. And we hope that this is the first of many 20 Years to come.”

Has it surprised you how well this museum has flourished? (SBF)

“From day one, we thought we had something special. There is no question, from the onset when we started this project; we thought we had something special. But what we have certainly come to realize is that IT IS EXTREMELY SPECIAL. And people who have encountered this—it has almost been like a life changing experience for a lot of those people. And for most of those folks, whether you are a baseball fan or not, chances are you are being introduced to this great piece of American History for the very first time. So, while some have come and have been absolutely fascinated by what they have experienced here, they have also left a little dismayed because they just now had the opportunity to learn this. They leave questioning why didn’t I know this when I was going to school? Why wasn’t this information there for me when I was going through my formal education? And that is the next chapter for the museum--we want to re-write the history books. This story should be included in the pages of American History Books. It is a travesty that we have gone through our education not knowing about the illustrious history of The Negro Leagues and its impact in sparking social change in our country. So, I think this is one of the most important and greatest stories not to be in the pages of American History Books.”

You just touched on a major point about this museum. You have Black-Americans who are proud of this museum. (Yes, definitely—Bob). Then you have White-Americans being hit with the “WOW” Factor. This was the way it really was. (SBF)

“No question, but there is this common bond between the two that leads to the appreciation of the power of the human spirit. That is what this story is all about. These great athletes who persevered through the face of tremendous adversity to build this great baseball enterprise that would have far reaching ramifications in terms of a lot of aspects of American culture. And I think there is a shared bond there, even though for African-Americans, you are right—there is this overwhelming SENSE OF PRIDE!! But, I think for White-Americans there is an overwhelming sense of pride again when you begin to look at what these athletes were able to accomplish in the face of adversity. Segregation was a shameful period in this country’s history. There is no question about that. So it is interesting to see when young people come in (to the museum), they see segregation very simply—that was dumb. (Chuckling). Really, that is how they see it. That’s how they see it. But it is important that we allow our children to look back in time if they are to appreciate how far we have come. And to have institutions like this that empowers them to take the next step to where we need to go in the future. Understand, there is still work to be done in this country as we continue to try to improve race relations in our country.”

“In this story, we simplify segregation just by telling it through the eyes of black baseball players. But what I think happens for all of our visitors here is this overwhelming sense of just how great our country really is because The Negro Leagues could have only happened in America. Even though it is anchored in the ugliness of segregation, out of segregation came this tremendous story of triumph and conquest. I tell people all the time, I think the story of The Negro Leagues embodies The American Spirit unlike any story in the annals of American History. It is everything we pride ourselves on about being American. This is about pride. This is about passion. It’s about courage. It’s about perseverance. It is about the refusing of accepting the notion that you are unfit to do anything. And so in the case of these great athletes—if you won’t let me play with you—I will create a league of my own.”

“That league would then rise to rival, and in many cities, surpass Major League Baseball in popularity and in attendance. They were outdrawing many Major League Baseball Teams. And think about that for a moment—that IS THE AMERICAN WAY. That is absolutely The American Way. So, in essence, even though it was America that was trying to prevent them from sharing in the joys of the so-called “National Pastime”, it was The American Spirit that allowed them to persevere and prevail. And that is our story.”

It is also unique in that this is baseball. I don’t think anything similar or broad scope could have happened in basketball or football? (SBF)

“Absolutely, it would not have happened. That’s true. No way.”

You mention how some of the Negro League Teams outdrew some of the white teams. Look at The Washington Senators—when Clark Griffith rented out Griffith Stadium to The Homestead Grays--they beat The Senators consistently at the gate. And The Crawfords outdrew The Pirates in Pittsburgh. (SBF)

“Yes, that is also true.”

And The East-West All-Star Game was one of the largest continually attended games of all time. (SBF)

“As I have always said, that is the greatest sporting event in the history of America that no one knows anything about. To put 50,000 plus in Comiskey Park (Chicago White Sox Field) under any circumstances is a tremendous accomplishment. They (The Negro Leagues) were doing this with regularity and the late Buck O’Neil would tell me that black folks would come from as far west as Los Angeles—by train. As far south as New Orleans—by train. As far east as New York—by train. All converging on Chicago every year for that showcase event. Yet personally, no one really knows a whole lot about it.”

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum works alongside The Baseball Hall of Fame. One complements the other. When those 17 Negro League Greats & Owners were inducted three years ago—what did that mean for your museum? Did your museum’s effort have anything to do with that happening? (SBF)

“Yes, obviously we did. And Buck—from the onset—was adamant that this museum would be just that—not a Hall of Fame—for that very reason. Buck felt that if you were good enough—you should be in The National Baseball Hall Of Fame. So, that was our mission from the onset—to help elevate the awareness and the consciousness of this history to the point where these athletes would be recognized in The National Baseball Hall Of Fame. Because—contrary to what most people believe--The National Baseball Hall Of Fame is not The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. People do think that. And while certainly, the majority of the players going in there are from The Major Leagues, it is there (in Cooperstown) to recognize greatness in all areas of baseball. So it was fitting that the doors would eventually open for these athletes of The Negro Leagues because, again, I think the most difficult thing for us, even today, is to convince people there were two separate baseball leagues operating in the country at the same time. One you know everything about (The Major Leagues) and the other—you know virtually nothing about—The Negro Leagues. But they were both professional. The Major Leagues gave the best white athletes the opportunity to do their thing. The Negro Leagues did the exact same thing for the best black and hispanic baseball players to showcase their skills as well. And so Buck knew that. He had the wisdom and the insight to understand that instead of focusing on a Hall Of Fame (in Kansas City), he knew, we knew--we had a finite history. So we chose the museum route. It was much, much more important for us to preserve, celebrate and educate the pubic to this history than it was to try to build a competing Hall Of Fame. And Cooperstown is absolutely the right place for these men to be recognized in that level.”




Is it sad that Buck O’Neil is not in The Hall Of Fame? (SBF)

(Softly) “Yes.”

Just after The Hall enshrined those 17 Greats into Cooperstown, he passed away a few months later. (SBF)

“He died two months after he spoke on behalf of the 17 who got in (at the Cooperstown Enshrinement). And much has been said about that ill-fated decision, and I certainly coin it that way because I think it was. I would have hoped the committee that made that decision voted with their minds. If they believe Buck O’Neil didn’t deserve to be in The Hall Of Fame then there is not much I can say about that. But I think, all of us, who have a clear understanding of what Buck’s role was in this game of baseball—on all facets—to me—if Buck O’Neil is not a Hall Of Famer, there is no such thing as a Hall Of Famer. He has done everything you can do for the good of the game. No one has done it better. From every single facet of the game, as a player, as a manager, as a coach, as a scout, as an ambassador—and his ambassador role was not just on The Negro Leagues. Certainly, he is responsible for many embracing The Negro Leagues. But Buck promoted baseball whether it was on the sandlot, whether they were in Japan, or The Dominican, or here in Our Country. It didn’t matter. He just loved promoting the game of baseball. He was a tireless promoter of this game. He helped people come to this sport. So when you look at his career over his seven decades in baseball—it was almost unfathomable that he WOULD NOT get that call (to The Hall Of Fame). So it was obviously disappointing to not only us here in Kansas City, but to baseball fans around the world.”

Buck O’Neil is the very reason why The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is here in Kansas City? (SBF)

“No question about it. If you wanted to pinpoint someone who was singularly most responsible for the building of this museum—it would be Buck. And that is not to think less of all the people who have been involved in elevating this project. But here is the guy who was out front. He was the guy that people fell in love with and that people rallied around to help us generate the kind of awareness and funding that we needed to make this museum a reality.”

Let’s talk a little about The Negro League Owners. In many respects they were running a real business? (SBF)

“These were entrepreneurs, many had their own wealth from other aspects of business and baseball became a secondary stream of revenue for them. This was big business and I don’t think people understand that. You hear all these misnomers associated with The Negro Leagues, but Negro League Baseball was the third largest black owned business in this country during that era of segregation. So this was a thriving business enterprise. Rest assured, wherever you had successful black baseball, you had thriving black economy.”



Is it by chance or is it by choice, that The American Jazz Museum is sharing space in the very same building here in Kansas City? (SBF)

“Yeah, it actually happened by happenstance really. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. We were actually going to be separate buildings and there wasn’t enough bond money to finance The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, The Black Archives of Mid-America and The American Jazz Museum. So we consolidated and put The Negro Leagues Museum and The American Jazz Museum in one building and it really became a stroke of genius. An absolute stroke of genius. People are somewhat surprised by the correlation between the two. But when you walk into and delve into it a little bit deeper, there is a strong connection between baseball and jazz. When you make your way through the museum today, you will see images of people like Louis Armstrong—who had is very own semi-pro team. Cab Calloway had his own semi-pro team. You will see photos of Lena Horne throwing out the first pitch at an All-Star Game. Lionel Hampton surrounded by members of The Kansas City Monarchs. In fact, the late Buck O’Neil would put Lionel Hampton in a Monarchs Uniform and he would serve as an honorary coach. He (Lionel) loved Negro League Baseball. Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was once the owner of The New York Black Yankees. So that correlation between baseball and jazz and entertainment was always strong.”

With that final answer--Bob Kendrick needed to head off to a meeting we were now overlapping. "But you go look around," he said. "Ask any questions and I will get back with you later to continue this discussion." So off I went to discover The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. A total treat awaited.

More to come in Part Two.

All Photos shot at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum--Copyright Nats320--All Rights Reserved. Courtesy and Usage granted by The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. No reproduction or usage granted without written permission of Nats320 & The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Buck O'Neil Photos--from stories linked in the post.

John Lannan--Roberto Clemente Award Nominee

Given since 1971 by Major League Baseball to reward excellence--not only on the field of play but for Community Service--John Lannan was named today Our Washington Nationals Nominee for The Roberto Clemente Award. Beginning September 2nd and running through October 4th, fans can log onto www.chevy.com/clemente and vote for their favorite nominee from each of the 30 Major League Teams (The Chevy Link is not active as I write this on September 1st).

13 Hall Of Fame Players have received the award in past years.

Our Number 31 has helped to anchor our young pitching staff this year while directly getting himself personally involved with children from The National Institute of Health's Children's Inn. And recently, he joined up with The Washington Humane Society in an effort to find pets a home. Over the past two seasons, Lannan has made numerous public appearances including one at The National Children's Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

In fact, "Lannan's Cannons", which provides an afternoon of Sunday Baseball at Nationals Park for needy children and their families from The Children's Inn at NIH began last month.

John Lannan is expected to be introduced at Nationals Park this coming Friday Night in a pre-game ceremony acknowledging his community service accomplishments before Our Washington Nationals take the field against The Florida Marlins.

Complete Information In The Press Release Below.

JOHN LANNAN NAMED WASHINGTON NATIONALS NOMINEE FOR THE 2009 ROBERTO CLEMENTE AWARD PRESENTED BY CHEVY

Fans Have Opportunity to Vote Online for the National Winner of Prestigious Award

John Lannan today was named the Washington Nationals nominee for the 2009 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. He is one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2009 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines exceptional performance on the baseball field with devoted
work in the community.

Tomorrow will mark the eighth annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor the legacy of Roberto Clemente. Fans are encouraged to participate in the selection of the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. From September 2 through October 4, 2009, fans can log on to www.chevy.com/clemente and vote for one of the 30 Club nominees. The site is not active today--September 1st, 2009.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy is part of Chevy’s official sponsorship of Major League Baseball, and recognizes those players who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their teams. The award is named for Clemente, a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who died on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This award perpetuates Clemente’s legacy and character by recognizing current-day players who truly understand the value of
helping others.

An active member in the Washington, D.C. community since being called up in 2007, this summer Lannan launched Lannan’s Cannons, a ticket program designed to bring joy to children and their families staying at The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health. The Children’s Inn is a “place like home” for sick children and their families who have come from across the country and around the world to undergo newly developed therapies at NIH, the world’s leading biomedical research center. Through the program, Lannan hosts residents from The Children’s Inn at Sunday home games and provides them with a voucher for a hot dog, chips and a drink as well as a Lannan’s Cannons t-shirt. Schedules permitting, Lannan meets with his guests prior to the beginning of the game. Additionally, the Nationals pitcher serves as a Sports Ambassador for The Children’s Inn, helping to bring awareness and funds to support their $93-a-night campaign, which refers to the cost of housing families at the residence. Lannan has selected The Children’s Inn at NIH to receive the $7,500 donation from Chevy, awarded to each nominee’s charity of choice.

Lannan has participated in a number of team-sanctioned events, including both the 2008 Winter Tour and 2009 Winter Caravan, and the annual Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Dream Gala (2008 & 2009). Throughout 2008, he visited Children’s National Medical Center, Lafayette Elementary School, Tenley-Friendship Interim Library, and with wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In May of 2009, Lannan served as the player representative for Mental Health Awareness Month at Nationals Park, recording a PSA and meeting with a Mental Health Association patient and mentor at the ballpark. Always available to sign autographs and meet with fans visiting the park, this season Lannan greeted the Nationals Honorary Bat Girl, a breast cancer survivor who was recognized by MLB and the Nationals for “going to bat against breast cancer”, and met with 50 children attending a Nationals game through MLBPA’s Buses for Baseball program. Lannan also served as a guest instructor at the inaugural Washington Nationals Baseball Camp, providing professional instruction for boys and girls ages 7-14.

“John has proven to be a leader both in the community and in the Nationals clubhouse during his time with the ballclub,” said Nationals Vice President of Communications and Community Relations, Chartese Burnett. “He is always willing to head out into local neighborhoods, meet with fans inside the ballpark and encourage his teammates to do the same. The Nationals are proud to announce John Lannan as our 2009 Roberto Clemente Award nominee.”

The Nationals will host Roberto Clemente Night, on Friday, September 4 when they face the Florida Marlins at 7:05pm. Lannan will be recognized in an on-field ceremony prior to the evening’s game. A left-handed pitcher, Lannan is in his second full season with the Nationals with a record of 8-9 and 3.95 ERA in 2009.

The winner of the fan poll will receive one vote among those cast by the official selection panel, which includes Vera Clemente, wife of the late Hall of Famer, and Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. Participating fans automatically will be registered for a chance to win a trip to Game Three of the 2009 World Series, where the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy will be announced. MLB celebrates Roberto Clemente Day as part of its broader “MLB Going Beyond” platform, an initiative that strives to integrate community service and the importance of giving back.