July 15-17: Negro Leagues Weekend
Before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier, black players were forced to play in the segregated Negro Leagues. Join the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park July 15-17, 2011 , as they take on the Chicago White Sox and celebrate the contributions of Negro League players to the game of baseball.
WWJ's Greg Bowman spoke with some of the players who will be on hand for that special occasion.
Among the players visiting WWJ was Bill Hill, a former star pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs.
LISTEN:
Podcast
Greg also spoke with Eugene Johnson, who played for the Detroit Stars.
LISTEN:
Podcast
Harold "Bebop" Gordon pitched for the Detroit Stars and Chicago American Giants.
LISTEN:
Podcast
- View photos from players' visit to the WWJ studios -
Special thanks to Louis A. Manley Jr. and the Michigan Chapter of Negro League Baseball Players
Activity Schedule & Tickets:
July 15
Postgame Fireworks (weather permitting)
Pregame ceremony - recognizing the past, present and future of African-American baseball in the city of Detroit
Detroit Stars Singing
Competition Finals (pre-game)
Negro Leagues merchandise available for sale on the concourse
July 16
On-field ceremony honoring former Negro Leagues players
Pre-game Q&A with former Negro Leagues players
Negro Leagues Tribute
Game on July 16 with the Tigers and White Sox wearing the jerseys of the Detroit Stars and Chicago American Giants respectively
Free Detroit Stars flat-billed cap for the first 10,000 fans
Negro Leagues merchandise available for sale on the concourse
July 17
Pre-game Q&A with Detroit Tigers African-American Heritage Award Honoree
On-field presentation of the Detroit Tigers African-American Heritage Award
Free Jhonny Peralta Glove to all Kids 14-and-under
Negro Leagues merchandise available for sale on the concourse
Sunday Kids Days: Kids Run The Bases, Free Rides on the Carousel & Ferris Wheel, Free Face-painting, Bicycle Giveaways.
