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Oct. 28, 2004 Princess Anne, MD - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore's Department of Fine Arts is presenting an exhibition in its Mosely Gallery entitled "On the Shoulders of Giants: Celebrating the Negro Leagues." The exhibit is spearheaded by Gallery Director, Professor Christopher Harrington who not only has an interest in the show, but the Negro Leagues themselves, having worked with the Negro League Players Association. The show itself begins with an opening reception on Thursday, November 4, 2004 from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. and continues through Thursday, December 9, 2004. The show opening not only features memorabilia, but two former Negro League stars, Bill "Ready" Cash and Howard Gould who will be on hand for the opening and available to sign autographs. Cash, catcher for the Philadelphia Stars in the Negro Leagues (1943-50) and player in the Mexican, Canadian and Minor Leagues (1950-53), sits on the Board of Directors for the Negro League Baseball Players Association. He was famous for a strong arm and pin-point accuracy. Gould was a right-handed pitcher who played for the Gouldtown New Jersey baseball club from 1942-1946. The town was named after one of his family members. In 1946, he went on to play for the Philadelphia Stars and then on to the Farnham Club of the Canadian Provincial League in 1949. The UMES Negro League exhibition includes autographed photos, bats, balls and memorabilia from more than 100 baseball players. Many of the items represent Negro League Hall of Famers such as Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Buck Leonard, "Cool Papa" Bell, Leon Day and Judy Johnson, an Eastern Shore native who was born in Snow Hill, MD. There is also memorabilia from major league players such as Lefty Grove, Bob Feller, Warren Spawn, Charles Gehringre and Jonnie Mize, all of whom played against Negro league teams in "barnstorming" exhibition games. Some of the items on display will also be for sale. UMES Baseball has a tie to the Negro Leagues as former player, Ryan Hunter, was the grandson of Judy Johnson. Current UMES Baseball players will also be on hand during the gallery opening and autograph sessions. Autographs from Cash and Gould cost $10 each or $5 with student identification. Prior to the opening reception for the Mosely Gallery, Cash and Gould will hold an autograph session in the rotunda of the Student Services Center from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. They will then hold a question and answer session from 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Mosely Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, with special tours arranged upon request. Admission to the gallery is free. More information, is available at www.umes.edu/arts/ or by calling 410-651-6490. |
