MLB to honour Negro Leagues centennial with patches Sunday

NEW YORK — All major league players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear a patch on Sunday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Negro Leagues.

The logo on the patch will be a derivative of the official logo created by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The logo also will be featured on base jewels and lineup cards.

Many MLB clubs have also planned ballpark and digital activities throughout the season, including Negro Leagues tribute games with throwback uniforms, educational panels and documentary film screenings, and auctions to support the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum or related organizations.

The Negro National League, founded in 1920, was the first successful organized professional league that allowed Black and Hispanic players to showcase their abilities.

The Negro Leagues operated for more than 40 years, becoming a catalyst for economic growth in African-American communities across the country and helping to spark social change.

More than 20 Negro Leagues players have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, including Jackie Robinson — who broke MLB’s colour barrier in 1947 — Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Monte Irvin, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Larry Doby.

The Associated Press