Senate passes Myrie resolution honoring Black athletes’ contributions to baseball

The New York State Senate has passed a resolution by state Sen. Zellnor Y. Myrie (D-Central Brooklyn) honoring the contributions of Black Baseball to the State of New York.

The resolution came on the heels of Major League Baseball’s decision to include in its official statistics the career records of Black players from the game’s segregated era. 

The Assembly adopted a companion resolution sponsored by Assembly Member Al Taylor (D-Manhattan). 

Myrie, who represents the historic site of Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, specifically acknowledged the role of Black athletes in developing the sport in New York. Ebbets Field was home of the Brooklyn Dodgers until 1957 and, today, is an apartment complex. 

“The achievements of Black ballplayers during baseball’s early days have been overlooked for too long,” said Myrie, who represents the 20th Senate District in Central Brooklyn. “Their contributions helped the sport grow into a globally-loved phenomenon, and remains an immense point of provide for Black New Yorkers and all who love the game.” 

Myrie said New York was home to many storied Negro League teams, including the Brooklyn Eagles, the Cuban Stars and the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers. 

Even earlier than the official formation of MLB leagues, teams such as the Henson Baseball Club, the Monitor Club and the Unknown Club of Weeksville hosted games in the five boroughs, Myrie said. 

“Prior to the historic crossing of the color line in Major League Baseball by Jackie Robinson, Black baseball players sought refuge in a league of their own, so to speak,” said Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey. “The Negro Leagues were full of legendary players full of talent that made significant and lasting accomplishments for the game. 

“The only thing that prevented them from participating in the Major Leagues as we know it was the color of their skin,” he added. “As such, it is great to see that we are finally giving recognition to the contributions that Black Baseball players have given the State of New York.

“As the MLB moves to include the ‘Negro League’ statistics into their official historical record, we must remember all the legends like Josh Gibson, James Thomas ‘Cool Papa’ Bell, Satchel Paige and so many more Negro League players that have etched a permanent mark on today’s game,” Bailey continued. “I commend Sen. Myrie for his leadership in introducing this important resolution.” 

“The decision by Major League Baseball to officially incorporate Negro Leagues statistics into its record books is a long-overdue recognition of the immense contributions Black players made to the sport of baseball,” said Assembly Member Eddie Gibbs. “The Negro Leagues were not just a separate entity; they were a vital part of baseball’s fabric, creating some of the game’s most innovative strategies and producing numerous Hall of Famers. 

“I applaud Major League Baseball for their decision to incorporate Negro League Baseball stats into the official MLB records. Intense competition and talented players, many playing in New York State, helped build the foundation for what the MLB is today. While legends such as Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell and others played a shortened Negro league schedule, their statistical performances will continue to rival today’s players even after considering the advancement in sports medicine, equipment and more,” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.