Posted on behalf of Joan M. Thomas, Committee Project Coordinator, Bob Broeg Chapter

Plans to unveil the Stars’ Park marker at the outdoor site on the grounds of Harris-Stowe State University on May 2, 2007 were not dampened when rain moved the ceremony to the school’s Emerson Performance Center . The school’s staff prepared the stage in a manner befitting royalty, floral arrangements and all. With the advantage of a podium, sound system and a platform to hold the plaque (to be attached to the post at the site of the park following the event), SABR representatives Bob Broeg Chapter President Norm Richards and Ballpark Marker Committee members Barb Sheinbein and Joan Thomas were able to host a truly wonderful event.

The featured speaker, Harris-Stowe President Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. announced that Missouri State Representative, Robin Wright-Jones, passed a resolution in recognition of the occasion. He revealed the framed document to the assembly prior to his address. And though George Altman, who was scheduled to do the unveiling, did not show for reasons unknown, another Negro League player made the day special.

Sam Taylor, a former Kansas City Monarch who lives near St. Louis , came in uniform and drew a huge round of applause when introduced. Plus, Joan Thomas read a heartfelt message sent by Connie Brooks, daughter and executor to the estate of James "Cool Papa" Bell . She wrote it expressly for the occasion, as she lives in New York City , and is unable to travel due to her health. The legendary Bell played at Stars’ Park, and is now immortalized at Cooperstown .

Over a hundred enthusiastic baseball lovers and curious locals made the day memorable. In addition to a number of SABR members in the audience some notable attendees were the entire Harris-Stowe baseball team (the Hornets), local author John Wright, Cardinal Hall of Fame curator Paula Homan and two members of her staff, St. Louis Metro Police Major Lawrence O’Toole, and Michael Evans, a career counselor for the Family Court of St. Louis County. Capturing the formalities for the local media were Channels 2, 5, and 11 in addition to KMOX Radio, represented by radio personality Tom Ackerman.

SABR owes the success of the event not only to the tenacity of the committee. The help and advice of Charles Gooden, Administrative Assistant to the President of Harris-Stowe, proved invaluable. We owe him, Dr. Givens and their staff a big Thank You. Moreover, we owe everyone who contributed funds a big Thank You, as without the money, there would be no marker.

This entry was posted by Pip on Friday, May 4th, 2007 at 10:16 pm and is filed under announcements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.