Brewers honor the Negro Leagues in Annual Tribute Game

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Before the Brewers took the field tonight, the team honored the Negro Leagues in its annual Negro League Tribute Game.

Seven former Negro League players -- from teams like the Kansas City Monarchs, the Indianapolis Clowns and the Saint Louis Stars -- were in attendance to be recognized.

Joined by an RBI athlete Martel Freeland, former player Dennis Biddle, former Brewer Larry Hisle and current Brewer Tyrone Taylor "passed the bat" connecting generations of baseball players.

And of course, each former Negro League players threw out some first pitches.

Milwaukee native James Beckum is appreciative of the opportunity to represent 100 plus years of history.

"I enjoyed playing in the Negro Leagues. I had a lot of fun," said Beckum. "Good entertainment. People came to watch us play. I tried to give them everything I had with the best I had."

Fans with select tickets also got a free sweatshirt representing Milwaukee Negro League team from 100 years ago, the Bears.

Fans also were able to head to the concourse to get some memorabilia and take some photos with former player Dennis Biddle.