Jul 30

Jul 30 The Legends Come Out to Play and Stunt

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation Host Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Baseball Game and Auto Show Aug. 7

By Tiffany Young

Take me out to the ball game! Experiencing a baseball game in person is so much more fun than watching it on TV and on August 7, family and friends will be able to enjoy a historic game at the Prince George's Stadium, home of the Bowie Baysox, in observance of Negro League Legends Hall of Fame week, saluting the 88th anniversary of the game and the 100th anniversary of the Negro National League.

The organization reached its centennial last year (1920 – 2020). But due to the pandemic and social distance protocol, the celebratory ceremony was postponed. The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is a supporter of the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHOF) and has been standing center with Dwayne Renal Sims, its founder, for years.

Sims, who has a passion for the sport and at one point in his life lived next to a former negro league legend, saw a need to honor the good fellas and celebrate their historic achievements.

“M-NCPPC and local supports have made it possible for the east/west game to start at the University of Maryland,” said Sims. “I’m truly thankful to them for hosting the space and helping with promotion in a major way. They are an active partner.”

Former MLB, minor league and college ballplayers will take the field in retro uniforms, while the former Negro League players and WUSA9 Sports Director Darren Haynes are invited as special guests. Prince George's County Council Member Rodney C. Streeter of District 7 is the honorary chair of the event.

Prior to the game, attendees will have full access to the auto show (10 a.m.). The annual auto show is known for its public exhibition of classic automobile models, concepts cars, and out-of-production classics (brought in by car enthusiasts).

Sims, who started displaying his Corvette at the baseball games, realized how much others wanted to showcase their own hot and fast cars. “The addition of the auto show has brought not only more attendees but long supporters of the negro league and the work we’re doing for the community,” he said.

A Bowie resident since 1962, Sims hopes to spotlight negro league baseball for African Americans and baseball fans as well as create a positive impact on youth in the county. Since the negro league was commissioned in 1920, Sims believes not much has changed when it comes to integration.

“While the sport has been internationally integrated, there [are] still some challenges for black kids who want to play and can’t afford things like cleats, bats and gloves,” Sims said. “When families come out on August 7 to the game, I want them to really understand community and diversity when it comes to baseball. I want them to learn that the negro league is part of baseball history.”

Ballpark gates open at 1p.m.. Tickets are free and available here. The rain date is Aug. 22. Interested fans can email: legends@nllhof.org for more information.