By Tim Lacy, Special to the AFRO
Major League Baseball is going about the business of testing the best against the best. The National League Champs and the American League Champs meet every October to play a 7-game series for the championship. This year we have the Boston Red Sox (AL) against the L.A. Dodgers (NL). If you know anything about Lacy baseball history, you know I am rooting for the Dodgers.
However, I am not here to repeat what you can see on TV every game day. October has a different meaning for me. A few years ago Mrs. L and I accepted invitations for the annual John Henry “Pop” Lloyd Awards held every October in Atlantic City. I was invited as the Keynote Speaker, and I warmed to the task. Anything pertaining to the Negro Leagues has my undivided attention. It didn’t hurt that the committee put us in a plush room on what seemed to be the 1000th floor. This kind of luxury warms the heart of my spouse, but I am no fan of heights. With the machines buzzing from the casino downstairs, you couldn’t wipe the smile off of Mrs. L’s face with a washcloth.
John Henry “Pop” Lloyd ( Courtesy Photo/National Baseball Hall of Fame)
We settled in on Saturday, and the awards ceremony was held on Sunday. My wife has a system: She loves the slots and puts a $20 bounty on them. When the $20 bucks is gone, you can hear her mutter, “See ya!”
When the ceremonies got underway, selected high school seniors were awarded scholarships and a bunch of boring dignitaries gave speeches (me included). The whole point was to raise money for the John Henry “Pop” Lloyd Baseball Stadium.
“Pop” finished out his career as a player and manager of the Atlantic City Baccarats. It was heartwarming to see the community step up and fork out the money for some decent scholarships. I have attended fundraising where the scholarship awarded was enough for a tank of gas and a case of beer.
Fans of the Negro Leagues have heard some colorful descriptions of a few players. “Satchel” Page was said to be so accurate from the mound, he could throw a strike over a matchbook cover. “Smokey” Joe Williams was said he could throw so hard blind people would go to the park just to listen to him pitch. “Bullet” Joe Rogan threw so fast batters would stand in the box and only dream of hitting his fastball. “Cool Papa” Bell was so fast it was said he once hit a line drive up the middle and got hit by the ball sliding into second base. My favorite is the tale that he once walked into his hotel room, hit the light switch and was in bed before the room got dark.
“Pop” Lloyd started his career with the Cuban X Giants and had quite a large Hispanic following. Watching him play shortstop, he was so smooth they dubbed him “El Cuchara” (The Shovel). Babe Ruth said he was the greatest shortstop he had ever seen. This was the ultimate compliment since he played in the same era as Honus Wagner.
“Pop” played for 27 years and finished with a lifetime batting average of .334. Better than Ty Cobb. Being a part of the celebration of his life was and is the highlight of October for me.
