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06/08/2007 12:22 PM ET
Brewers second annual Negro Leagues Tribute set for June 23
Arthur Hamilton and James Cobbin set for honors, uniforms of Milwaukee Bears to be worn by team
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MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers will host the franchise's second annual "Negro Leagues Tribute" Game on Saturday, June 23 when the Brewers take on the Kansas City Royals.
When fans arrive at the ballpark on June 23, each fan in attendance will receive a Negro Leagues placard to commemorate the day. They will also witness their favorite players in what may be unfamiliar Milwaukee uniforms. As part of the Negro Leagues Tribute, the Brewers will wear reproductions of uniforms worn by the Milwaukee Bears, the city's 1923 representative in the Negro National League. The team played only one season before disbanding but featured some of the game's most influential men, including Baseball Hall-of-Fame player/manager Preston "Pete" Hill. The Brewers donned the Bears home uniforms for the first time on last year's Negro Leagues Tribute Night.
The Kansas City Royals will join in the festivities by donning the uniforms of the Kansas City Monarchs, one of the Negro Leagues most legendary franchises. Fans coming to Miller Park will be able to add to their Milwaukee baseball gear with Bears jerseys and caps available at the Fan Zone.
"Last season, we started a new tradition that honors the legacy of the Negro Leagues in baseball history and it was a great success." said Rick Schlesinger, Brewers Executive Vice President - Business Operations. "With this annual game and the addition of the new Negro Leagues display at Miller Park, we are working to ensure that the contributions made by these great players are always remembered."
The activities start at 11 a.m. when former players Arthur Hamilton and W. James "Jim" Cobbin are inducted into the Yesterday's Negro League Hall of Fame at the Mother Katherine Daniels Center located at 3500 W. Mother Daniels Way on the grounds of Milwaukee's Holy Redeemer Church (COGIC). The Brewers are partnering with the MKDC and the church as a sponsor of the annual induction ceremonies and other initiatives.
Later in the afternoon at Miller Park, the pre-game ceremony on the field will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a video highlighting great moments from the Negro Leagues. Following the video, Hamilton and Cobbin will offer their comments for fans in attendance. After the ceremony, Hamilton and Cobbin will sign autographs from the first through third innings on the Field Level concourse.
Beginning on Tuesday, June 26, the Brewers will auction their game-worn Milwaukee Bears uniforms on brewers.com. Proceeds will benefit Yesterday's Negro League Foundation and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.
Below are bios of the two former players who will be honored at the MKDC:
Arthur Hamilton
Nickname: Jr.
Career: 1953 - 1960
Position: Catcher
Teams: Indianapolis Clowns, Detroit Stars
Born: July 27, 1934 in Jacksonville, FL
Arthur Hamilton began his professional baseball career at age 19 as a catcher with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1953. He went on to play three seasons with Indianapolis before joining the Detroit Stars, where he played from 1956-60. While playing for Detroit, Hamilton received All-Star recognition during his final season.
Among his career highlights, Hamilton was the starting catcher in the 1960 East-West Negro League Baseball All-Star Game at Chicago's Old Comiskey Park. During the contest, Hamilton hit a game-tying home run and helped lead his West squad to a 5-4 victory in the final Negro League All-Star Game to be played at Comiskey Park.
Today, he and his wife reside in Jacksonville, Fla. where he is heavily involved in community activities and is a strong supporter of the Durkeville Historical Society, the site of the old Durkee Field, which is now called James P. Small Park. Durkee Field was where Hank Aaron played his home games when he was with the Jacksonville Braves of the Negro Leagues.
W. James "Jim" Cobbin
Career: 1956-1957
Position: Third Baseman, Shortstop, Center fielder
Teams: New York Black Yankees, Indianapolis Clowns
Born: December 27, 1934 in Montgomery, AL
W. James "Jim" Cobbin spent two seasons playing in the Negro Leagues as a member of the New York Black Yankees in 1956 and the Indianapolis Clowns the next year. A versatile player, Cobbin played three different positions, including third base, shortstop and center field.
Along with his defensive skills, Cobbin was a tough out at the plate for opposing hurlers. During his career, Cobbin tallied a .317 lifetime batting average with 38 home runs. On the basepaths, Cobbin was just as much of a threat with 49 total stolen bases in 50 attempts.
Today, Cobbin serves as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Yesterday's Negro Leagues Baseball Players Foundation. The foundation was developed to raise recognition and attempt to provide medical benefits and retirement assistance to former Negro Leagues players.
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