Photo by Yvonne Kemp
On Friday, June 7, 2019, The Milwaukee Brewers hosted a Negro Leagues Tribute Game, presented by Aurora Health Care® at Miller Park when they took on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team honored the rich history of the Negro Leagues and its profound impact on the game of baseball as we know it today.
As part of a special pre-game ceremony, the Brewers recognized John “Blue Moon” Odom (left) and James Rocky” Portier (right) who, along with Aurora St. Luke’s Chief Medical Officer and 2019 Black Excellence Award honoree Dr. Nkem Iroegbu (center) threw out the first pitch.
As part of the celebrations there was an autograph session, special exhibits showcasing the history of the Negro Leagues, the Brewers wearing the Milwaukee Bears uniforms during the game, a special question and answer session and ceremony at Holy Redeemer Institutional Church Of God In Christ, and a commemoration ceremony at Clinton Rose Park.
