Negro League Baseball veterans bring their heritage and message to Ocala youth

  Cox Communications Florida brings the Negro League Baseball Project to Ocala on August 12th & 13th. The project will consist of two full days of events including a community luncheon honoring the six veteran players, an autograph session at the Paddock Mall and an appearance at the Cal Ripkin 10 year-old World Series. The events offer a rare opportunity to interact with a special group of athletes, the likes of whom will never be seen again.             The stars of the project are six former Negro League players who will share their experiences with the goal of kindling the interest of a new generation of youth in America’s pastime.             For its part, Cox Communications is organizing the event, with support from ESPN, to emphasize the importance of diversity within the community and within its workforce and to give back in a unique way to the community it serves.             “These men have a tremendous story to share. They are living links to a bygone era that required all of their courage and determination to pursue their dream under most difficult circumstances,” said Mike Giampietro, Cox Vice President of Public Affairs. “We have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on them for what they have accomplished and to help pass along that heritage to the young generation that is increasingly leaving baseball behind.” First launched in Gainesville, FL in 2008, the project has earned several awards including the ESPN Good Sports Award and three Association of Cable Communicators (ACC) Beacon Awards. The ESPN Good Sports Award is given annually to an initiative that generates outstanding community involvement through education and athletics. The Beacon Awards recognize cable industry leaders who demonstrate excellence through initiatvies that exemplify corporate social responsibility and improving the communities they serve. Aug. 12, 2010 12:00 Noon – 1:30 PM: Community Luncheon (including media but by invitation only to the public) featuring introduction of players and comments by them, player panel discussion and Q&A from audience. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the players and get autographs. Holiday Inn Suites & Conference Center; 3600 SW 38th Ave.        6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Autograph session at the Paddock Mall. Free and open to the public. Paddock Mall, Center Court; 3100 SW College Rd.   Aug. 13, 2010     4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Appearance at the Cal Ripkin 10 year-old World Series. Players will sign autographs. Ocala Rotary Sportsplex; 5220 SE Maricamp Road     The former Negro League Baseball players who are scheduled to be part of this project are:   Player Profiles Source: Negro Leagues Baseball eMuseum   Clifford “Quack” Brown Career: 1949-1951 Positions: 2nd Base, Shortstop Team: Philadelphia Stars   Clifford Brown played his entire baseball career with the Philadelphia Stars. His biggest career highlight was when he played three games in one day in three different Virginia towns and hit a home run every game. After retiring from the Negro Leagues, he worked with the Florida Portland Cement Plant for 31 years as a track-mobile operator. He also coached baseball for 10 years for the Belmont Heights Little League, in Tampa, Florida, and had the honor of coaching his son, Clifford R. Brown, Jr., who was a pitcher and played first base. He will never forget his experiences with the Negro Leagues.   Walter Lee “Dirk” Gibbons Career: 1941-1949 Position: Pitcher Teams: Philadelphia Stars (1941), New York Black Yankees (1941), Indianapolis Clowns (1948-1949)   Walter began his career with the Philadelphia Stars in 1941, quickly leaving them to play with the New York Black Yankees at the end of the season. After World War II, he signed with the Indianapolis Clowns in the Negro American League and pitched for the 1948 and 1949 seasons. He earned an opportunity to play in the Negro American League occurred when the Indianapolis Clowns were in his hometown of Tampa, Florida. In those days, it was commonplace for teams to recruit players while they were on the road. Today, Walter is proud to work at the University of Tampa and will always be grateful he was a part of the Negro Baseball Leagues.   Arthur “Jr.” Hamilton Career: 1953-1959 Position: Catcher Teams: Indianapolis Clowns, Detroit Stars   Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Arthur Hamilton played most of his career with the Indianapolis Clowns. While playing, he became very good friends with Mr. Harold O. Hair, whom he is still friends with today. After the decline of the Negro Leagues, Hamilton began working at Winn-Dixie where he was employed for more than 27 years and even coached Winn-Dixie softball for three years.     A.J. Jackson Career: 1957 (Negro Leagues) 1958 (Major Leagues) Position: Pitcher Team: Kansas City Monarchs   At age 22, pitcher AJ Jackson signed a contract with the Kansas City Monarchs where he compiled a 14-3 record in 1957. With a great throwing arm, his goal was to be a major league player, which he achieved when he signed with the Cleveland Indians for a brief part of the 1958 season. AJ will always remember playing in the majors and will never forget the time he spent in the Negro Leagues. Originally from Georgetown, Georgia, Jackson now resides in Gainesville, Florida.     Raydell “Bo” Maddix Career: 1947-1953 Positions: Pitcher, Outfielder Team: Indianapolis Clowns   Maddix, a power pitcher, played for the Indianapolis Clowns and led the league in strikeouts during the 1948-1949 season. In 1950, he contributed a 5-5 record as the Clowns won the Eastern Division title. He continued playing with the Clowns after the Negro American League had declined to a minor-league status in the 1950s. Maddix currently lives in Tampa and still keeps in touch with Brown, Felder, and Gibbons.   Harold “Buster” O. Hair Career: 1953, 1958 Positions: 3rd Base, Shortstop, Outfielder Teams: Birmingham Black Barons, Kansas City Monarchs   Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Harold played in the Negro Leagues for two seasons. Due to his extraordinary talent, Harold was invited to the 1953 East-West All Star game as a rookie, and in 1958, led the league in hitting with a .355 average. He earned a B.S. degree at A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. While attending A&T State, Harold played on four straight championship teams and was the team captain his senior year. In addition, he earned a Master's degree in Education at the University of Florida. After retiring from the Negro Leagues, Harold moved back to his hometown where he coached basketball, baseball and football for the Duval City School System. In 1969, he was “Coach of the Year” and won the city, county, district and regional championships.