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The section of the article about Donaldson reads: By A.S. "DOC" YOUNG Old Time Negro Stars There is a possibility, at last, that some of the old-time greats of Negro baseball may be honored in the game's Hall of Fame. "A panel of experts" is being assembled for the purpose of selecting the deserving ones. Apparently, Dick Young, President of the Baseball Writers Association of America, originated the idea. Roy Campanella, the ex-Dodger catcher who was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, is helping to assemble the panel. If the idea is to be done justice, the panel of experts must get down to intensive and extensive research. In preliminary listings of all-time Negro "greats," too many superstar players are being by-passed. Proof of the fact is a nationally-circulated article which lists the better-known Negro greats but makes no mention of Bud Fowler, the first Negro to play with a predominantly white team (Newcastle, Pa., 1872) as well as a Negro-league star; Moses Fleetwood Walker, first Negro to play in the major leagues (Toledo, 1884) and also a star in Negro ball; George Stovey, a great pitcher who was coveted by the New York Giants in 1887; Smokey Joe Williams of the Lincoln (Neb.) Giants who was possibly a finer pitcher than Satchel Paige, and others whose names are now hidden in dusty archives or in the memories of the aged. There was much that was illustrious about Negro baseball history. The game was never as "bush" as many Caucasians thought. Now, there should be recognition for the group of Long Island (N.Y.) hotel waiters who founded Negro baseball in 1885, special recognition for Andrew (Rube) Foster as the single most dynamic force (pitcher, manager, league commissioner) in the history of Negro baseball; for Dave Wright, who drew up the constitution for Foster's National Negro Baseball League on February 13, 1920, and for other great men who never received just recognition nor opportunity to play in the majors because they were Negroes. All too easily - if care isn't exercised in the selection of the panel - this project can fall into a pattern of paying tribute to players well-remembered from the pre-Jackie Robinson era and forgetting the others. Everybody knows about Satchel Paige and many have heard of Josh Gibson. Their names pop quickly into the mind. But, Smoky Joe Williams' record must be researched, and so must the records of Bizz Mackey, John Donaldson, Ray Dandridge, Martin Dihigo, Vic Harris, and Chet Brewers - as well as Buck Leonard, Bingo DeMoss, Judy Johnson, John Henry Lloyd, Pete Hill, Oscar Charleston, and Christobal Torrienti. This is a worthy project. It is the product of a good thought. It deserves loving care. |
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