On August 7, 2026, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum announced the class of 2026 for its Hall of Game, honoring four former Major League Baseball players whose careers were rooted in the Negro Leagues. The announcement underscores the museum’s ongoing mission to celebrate the history and cultural impact of a sport that shaped generations.
A Hall of Game Celebration
The inductees — Ralph Garr, Reggie Smith, Gary Matthews Sr. and Andre Thornton — were recognized for their on‑field brilliance, competitive spirit and the distinctive swagger they brought to baseball. Their achievements on the diamond are now part of a broader narrative that the museum has been curating since its founding in 2014.
Bob Kendrick, president of the museum, emphasized that the selections reflect not only athletic excellence but also the deep dedication these pioneers showed to the game and to the communities that cheered them. "Their passion and skill set a standard that still resonates," he said in the announcement.
Visitors to the museum have responded with personal stories that illustrate the lasting connection many feel to the sport’s heritage. Owen Pamperl, a longtime baseball enthusiast, expressed how the exhibit sparked a renewed interest in the game’s history, while Kevin Brown recalled childhood memories of playing catch that echoed the legends on display.
Martin and Harris Schapker highlighted a standout exhibit featuring a giant bat signed by many of the sport’s greats, a tangible link to the past that draws crowds to the museum’s location at 18th and Vine in Kansas City, Missouri.
The museum, established in 2014 and housed at the historic 18th and Vine intersection, serves as a cultural hub that preserves the narrative of Negro Leagues baseball. Its exhibits blend artifacts, interactive displays and personal testimonies, inviting fans of all ages to engage with a legacy that continues to influence the modern game.