July 8, 2006

Jul 8, 2006 11:32 pm US/Eastern

Negro League Players Honored At Celebrity Game

A piece of Pittsburgh’s baseball past was celebrated today.

Former players of the Negro League were honored at a celebrity softball game and fundraiser in Munhall. Players included Theodore Toles, Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, James Tillman and Wallace "Bucky" Williams.

The Best of the Batch and Josh Gibson Foundations came together not only to honor the greats of the past, but also to raise money to fix up West Field, the historic home of the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords.

“We're trying to raise $2 million here to renovate this field up grade these facilities,” explained Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch.

Plans for the 350-acre site include a restored baseball diamond, and facilities for football, soccer and track.