Lookouts, Barons celebrate the Negro Leagues

For the second straight season, Double-A Chattanooga celebrated Negro League Appreciation Weekend. The event started on Friday and continued Saturday night as the Lookouts hosted the Barons at AT&T Field.

For both games, the two clubs donned commemorative uniforms. The Lookouts suited up as the Chattanooga Choo-Choos to honor the Negro League team that played at Engel Stadium in Chattanooga from 1940-46.

Negro League Appreciation Weekend is off to a great start!

Presented by the Bessie Smith Cultural Center & Food City pic.twitter.com/cBSKFqHkmB

— Chattanooga Lookouts (@ChattLookouts) June 9, 2023

The Barons wore Birmingham Black Barons uniforms to honor the club that was a member of the inaugural Negro Southern League in 1920 along with the Chattanooga Black Lookouts. A common thread between the two historical clubs: both the Choo-Choos and Black Barons had Major League Hall of Famer Willie Mays play for them. Mays appeared for the semi-pro Choo-Choos as an amateur while still in high school, and he made his pro debut with the Black Barons at age 17 in 1948.

Rodriguez is just better. 🤷 pic.twitter.com/DKxLenpKmZ

— Birmingham Barons (@BhamBarons) June 9, 2023

The games on Friday and Saturday featured appearances from former Negro League players -- including Russell “Crazy Legs” Patterson. Known for his blazing speed on the bases and spontaneous dance moves during games, "Crazy Legs" remains a vocal advocate for the game.

Really the highlight of Negro League Appreciation. These player’s stories need shared just like any other pro baseball player @ChattLookouts pic.twitter.com/6NE4ml9WUt

— Minor League Promos (@MiLBPromos) June 10, 2023

Patterson played with the Savannah Bears in Georgia, then the Indianapolis Clowns. The standout pitcher, first baseman and outfielder put his baseball career on hold while he served in the Army for three years, but he returned to the game in 1965. He joined the Paterson Black Sox in New Jersey and later played for a league in Syracuse, N.Y., where he set a record for innings played at 51 years old.

Chattanooga's own Charles White III was also honored on Friday. White earned his place in the city's rich baseball history as the 15-year-old pitcher who took the mound for the Chattanooga Stars opposite Satchel Paige and the barnstorming Indianapolis Clowns. White -- whose son Reggie is in the NFL Hall of Fame -- was believed to have a fastball that clocked over 90 mph, and the pitcher spent time in training camp with the Kansas City Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals.

The event took place in partnership with the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

"Last year’s Negro League Appreciation Weekend was such a wonderful and impactful event,” said Paula Wilkes, president of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. “We are thrilled to be able to once again celebrate the legacy of the Negro League with the Chattanooga community.”

Day 2 of Negro League Appreciation Weekend is tonight!

First 1,000 fans will receive this Choo-Choos Pennant upon entrance! 7:15 First Pitch Gates open at 6:00. pic.twitter.com/or6EnKdjiN

— Chattanooga Lookouts (@ChattLookouts) June 10, 2023

More Negro League Appreciation

On Saturday night, Double-A Rocket City hosted Tennessee and celebrated Negro League Tribute Night. The Trash Pandas honored the legacy of Negro League baseball at Toyota Field. The Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham provided a traveling exhibit that was on display on the concourse. Former Birmingham Black Barons pitcher Horace Moore threw out the ceremonial first pitch.