The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City announced the 2026 class of its Hall of Game, a tribute that spotlights the enduring influence of African‑American pioneers on the sport.
Gary 'Sarge' Matthews, Sr., a 1973 National League Rookie of the Year and 1983 NLCS MVP with the Philadelphia Phillies, headlines the induction alongside fellow legends Ralph Garr, Reggie Smith and Andre Thornton.
Matthews, drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1968, enjoyed a 16‑year MLB career that saw him swing the bat for eight different clubs before turning to broadcasting for CBS 3 and the Phillies from 2007 to 2011.
The ceremony will take place on September 26, 2026, at the historic Gem Theater, where the inductees will be celebrated for embodying the spirit and style of the Negro Leagues.
Honoring Trailblazers
The Hall of Game, founded in 2014, recognizes players whose contributions reflect the resilience and brilliance of the Negro Leagues, ensuring that their stories remain part of baseball’s collective memory.
In addition to the player inductions, Rob Parker and the creator of MLBbro.com will receive the second annual JL Wilkinson ‘Innovator’ Award, acknowledging visionary figures who continue to shape the game’s future.
The museum’s leadership emphasized that this class not only commemorates past achievements but also inspires younger generations to appreciate the rich tapestry of baseball history.