MLB to celebrate Negro Leagues centennial Aug. 16
Major League Baseball plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Negro National League on Aug. 16, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com.
All players, managers, coaches, and umpires will wear a centennial patch designed by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum during games. Bases and lineup cards will also feature the logo.
MLB originally planned to honor the Negro Leagues on June 27 before it postponed and shortened the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Retired left-hander CC Sabathia, who spent time with the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Milwaukee Brewers over his 19-year career, launched a clothing line in early July to commemorate the Negro Leagues, with all proceeds going to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
In 1920, exactly 100 yrs ago, the National Negro League came to be. Today, I’m honored to pay tribute by releasing a custom capsule collection celebrating 100 yrs. All proceeds will benefit the NLB Museum. #TheyPlayedForUs, so I could. 🧢 Available now: https://t.co/DJa7DWCLUR pic.twitter.com/HuTZIizSUR
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) July 9, 2020
The Cuban Giants became the first all-Black professional baseball team in 1885. The Negro National League, originally consisting of eight teams, officially formed in 1920. After the league collapsed in 1931 with a total of 24 teams, a second iteration of the Negro National League was founded in 1933 and lasted until 1948.
Five other professional Black leagues formed from 1923-37. The most recent iteration folded around 1960, largely due to MLB integrating in 1947.