It's been a long time since we last heard anything about the Negro Leagues, the mostly African American baseball league created for talented baseball players who weren't accepted by white major or minor league baseball teams during the 1930s and 1940s.
However, last evening the former men and women League players were honored, and accepted, by the first African American president of the United States.
The meeting took place in the Blue Room of the White House where the president praised the athletes for their extraordinary service to American culture, history, civil rights, and of course, the world of sports.
***Update***
Baseball is coming back to the White House as President Obama will honor
Banks, who played in the MLB, joins 15 other recipients this year including Oprah Winfrey, Loretta Lynn, Arturo Sandoval, and former president Bill Clinton.
However, last evening the former men and women League players were honored, and accepted, by the first African American president of the United States.
The meeting took place in the Blue Room of the White House where the president praised the athletes for their extraordinary service to American culture, history, civil rights, and of course, the world of sports.
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President Barack Obama meets with former Negro League baseball players and their family members in the Cross Hall of the White House, Aug. 5, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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With excitement and appreciation, players in attendance during last evening meeting with the president included Ron Teasley, 86 , outfielder and first baseman for the New York Cubans; 83 year-old Jim Robinson, and Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, a female pitcher for the Indianapolis Clowns.
One can bet that no performance enhancement drugs were used during their reign; just natural, raw talent, desire, and opportunity made for a winning recipe.
Earlier this year the president and Mrs. Obama held a screening at the White House for the movie '42', about baseball's iconic Jackie Robinson.
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***Update***
Baseball is coming back to the White House as President Obama will honor
Ernie Banks with the Presidential Medal of Honor. Known to many as “Mr. Cub,” Ernie Banks is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. During his 19 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, he played in 11 All-Star Games, hit over 500 home runs, and became the first National League player to win Most Valuable Player honors in back-to-back years. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility.
Banks, who played in the MLB, joins 15 other recipients this year including Oprah Winfrey, Loretta Lynn, Arturo Sandoval, and former president Bill Clinton.
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