Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Major League Baseball's Tribute to the Negro Leagues, which will take place at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, beginning Tuesday, June 18, 2024, and culminating with an MLB game, the Giants versus the Cardinals on Thursday, June 20. Built in 1910, Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field is the oldest professional baseball field in the United States. For 36 years, it served as the official home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, and to this day, it continues to stand as a living monument of baseball history. For decades, the Black Barons were a beacon of excellence in Birmingham's community. Between 1943 and 1948, they racked up a win percentage of more than 60 percent and captured three Negro League pennants. At the height of Jim Crow segregation, the success of the Black Barons at Rickwood Field galvanized and united Birmingham's Black community. The stands were always overflowing with fans eager to cheer on their favorite team. Over the years, Rickwood Field has hosted a number of baseball giants, including Willie Mays from Fairfield, Alabama, Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Josh Gibson, and of course Birmingham's own Black Baron, Reverend William Greason, who at the age of 99 continues to give back to his Birmingham community as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church Berney Points. With the help of Major League Baseball, Rickwood Field has undergone major renovations.…”