MUH to host living legends of the Negro Leagues

April 1, 2009

The public is invited to take a walk down Memory Lane as star players from the former Negro Leagues swap stories in a roundtable discussion from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Miami Hamilton Downtown, 221 High St.

Featured guests include Willie Sheelor of the Memphis Red Sox, former roommate of Red Sox pitcher Charley Pride, who walked away from the game to pursue a country music career; and Chuck Harmon, featured prominently in filmmaker Ken Burns’ critically-acclaimed documentary "Baseball."

Slugger Carl Long of the Birmingham Black Barons, and Leo Cardenas, former Cincinnati Reds shortstop who followed in the footsteps of Jackie Robinson, also will be on hand.

“To be sure, these opportunities are fleeting as many of these men are well into their 80s and early 90s,” said Jimmie Jones, director of Multicultural Services at Miami Hamilton and event organizer.

“It’s a priceless experience to see their faces turn boyish and watch their eyes gleam as they share their stories. To witness that kind of camaraderie firsthand is mesmerizing,” Jones said.

The event is free and open to the public. A light lunch and refreshments will be served; memorabilia and autographs will be for sale.

For more information, contact Katina Chandler, 785-3024, chandlkl@muohio.edu.