See the young man in this picture? He was 18 years old when it was taken at the train station in Mobile, Alabama, in 1952.
There is $1.50 in his pocket. In that bag by his foot are two changes of clothes. (And if his mama was anything like most other mamas in the South, probably some sandwiches and other snacks.)
He was on his way to Indiana to take a job. He was going to play baseball for the Indy Clowns of the Negro Leagues. Apparently, he was pretty good at it. A couple of years later, he was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers. He played for the Brewers for 2 seasons, then moved across town to the Braves, and later followed them to Atlanta. Eventually, he was the last Negro League player to be on a major league roster.
He still hangs around the baseball world. At the moment, he's the senior vice president of the Atlanta Braves. Even though the team has changed stadiums (twice) since then, his retired number, 44, still hangs on the outfield wall of the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium near where he belted a homer to break Babe Ruth's all-time record which he held for 33 years).
Remembering "Hammerin' Hank" Aaron, who passed away on 22 January 2021.

That is Awesome.

X2

Almost 70 years from that day,
That's a long haul.

Add fabulous to that.

Osky

great ball player and great guy.

Anyone know his stats from the negro leagues?

Great story about Hank Aaron!

Too cool!

One of the all time greats.

American Dream

A great example of a man who fought adversity and refused to give up. One of the greats of all time.

great story, and a great player