Assembly Resolution No. 2396

BY: M. of A. Taylor

HONORING the contributions made by Black Baseball
to the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is with great pride that this Legislative Body commends
those exceptional Black athletes who represented the State of New York
and brought honor to the game of professional baseball, distinguishing
themselves through notable achievement and thereby representing this
great Empire State with exceptional dignity and determination; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the contributions made by Black Baseball to the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The contributions of Black athletes have helped the sport
of baseball grow into a globally loved phenomenon; the first recorded
game between two organized Black baseball clubs, pre-dating the official
formation of leagues, was between the Unknown Club of Weeksville and the
Henson Baseball Club of Jamaica, Queens; and

WHEREAS, The City of New York and the State has hosted several Negro
League teams in the past, such as Unknown Club of Weekfield, Monitor
Club, Unique Club, and many more remarkable teams; and

WHEREAS, Moses Fleetwood Walker was the first Black man to join a
Major League Baseball (MLB) team in 1884, joining the Toledo Blue
Stockings and playing with them for 42 games; and

WHEREAS, Black baseball players have been rightfully established by
the MLB into "Major League Status"; teams that set a precedent for the
history of baseball are: New York Black Yankees (1931 - 1948); Brooklyn
Eagles (1935); Brooklyn Royal Giants (1904 - 1927); New York Lincoln
Giants (1911 - 1929); Cuban Stars (1907 - 1930); New York Cubans (1930 -
1950); and lastly Brooklyn Brown Dodgers (1945 - 1946), a team
established by Branch Rickey who created an elaborate smokescreen to
obscure his scouting of Black players; and

WHEREAS, In May 1945, Branch Rickey announced the formation of a new
franchise, the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers, and a new Negro League, the
United States League; he then dispatched his best talent hunters, like
scout Tom Greenwade, to observe Black ballplayers, ostensibly for the
Brown Dodgers, but in reality for the Brooklyn National League club; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the contributions made by Black Baseball to the State of New York.