Doing Good Through Baseball

On June 18th, National Public Radio ran a story http://www.npr.org/2011/06/18/137265793/negro-leagues-players-honored-with-gravestones describing the efforts of a passionate group of historians/baseball fans to recognize players from the Negro Leagues.  In addition to the NPR and NY Times links, their website:  www.nlbgmp.com details their efforts.  To honor the struggles of prior generations by bringing attention to the injustices and perpetuating the memory of those who carried the burdens of a by-gone era is an inspirational story. 

Must Read: Baseball and Integration

Rebecca Alpert has penned a well researched account of the effort to integrate major league baseball.  Moreover, she has given an accurate accounting of Izzy Muchnick's role in arranging for 3 members of the Negro Leagues (including Jackie Robinson) to "try out" for the Boston Red Sox in 1945 -- 2 years prior to JR's appearance in a game as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Check out her book entitled:  "Out of Left Field".

Bill Russell Man of Valor

Bill Russell will always be remembered in Boston sports history as the basketball superstar who was handpicked by Red Auerbach -- first to be the anchor of the Celtics dynasty run as the center on so many wonderful teams; and then to be Red's successor as coach of the Celtics.  Growing up in the Boston area when Havlicek Stole The Ball, I always knew that Russ would outdual Wilt Chamberlain or Nate Thurmond or any other opponent for that matter.  

It will be great to see a permanent representation of Russell's impact on the area in the form of a statue. (Click on link in title to this post). I'd like to see Red's sculpture moved from Quincy Market to be next to Russell's -- near the old Garden. 

The USF Dons team with Russell and KC Jones as teammates must have been something!

Bill Russell's accomplishments are legend.  He is most deserving of the Medal of Honor recognition.

Looking out for family

Great to see that the Celtics alums pulled together to help out a teammate.  Which reminds me.  If you haven't read Teammates by David Halberstam and you really want to get ready for Grapefruit League action find the book asap.  You won't be able to put it down. 

True Grit

Nice to see one of the most talented and dedicated players to ever wear a Boston uniform return to New England as the manager of the Brockton Rox.  Here's a trivia question:

Who was the left fielder for the LA Dodgers when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home run record? 

Answer:  Who was NOT the left fielder!  The pitcher was Al Downing and the left fielder for the Dodgers was Bill Buckner!

For the love of the game

Here's a story that will inspire.  Enjoy!
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/05/06/a_senior_on_the_mound/?page=1

And the young shall lead us

Here's a fantastic story about a couple of 10 year old brothers who have embarked on an impressive project regarding the Negro Baseball League. It's great to read a story in which our young people take an active interest in learning about the injustices suffered by preceding generations. These two young boys are teaching us all an important lesson. A nice way to start the New Year. http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/brookline/2010/01/brookline_twins_10_reach_out_t.html