A Tribute on the Diamond
Detroit’s amateur softball teams gathered at Benjamin Davis Park in Lansing on June 13, 2026, to mark Juneteenth with a tribute to the Negro Leagues. The event formed part of the city’s broader Juneteenth celebrations, drawing residents from across the region to honor a pivotal chapter in baseball history.
The atmosphere was festive, with families spreading blankets on the grass, children chasing frisbees, and the smell of barbecue mingling with the sound of gloves hitting balls. Organizers had arranged a series of exhibition games that highlighted the skill and spirit of the modern players while paying homage to the pioneers who broke barriers on the field.
Family Roots and Community Spirit
Digz Edwards, a veteran of the Detroit 50s softball squad, spoke enthusiastically about the significance of the day. “Playing here feels like stepping onto a field that’s been paved by legends,” he said, adding that the experience connected him to a lineage of athletes who had once entertained crowds in segregated leagues.
Pat Cannon, a lifelong Lansing resident, shared how her uncle, Ralph Palmer, had been a standout pitcher in the Negro Leagues. “My family’s story is intertwined with baseball’s hidden chapters,” she explained, noting that the event gave her an opportunity to pass that heritage to the next generation.
Honoring a Legacy
Ron Teasley Jr. attended the ceremony to remember his father, one of the last living members of the Negro Leagues. “My dad always said baseball was more than a game; it was a bridge to dignity and respect,” Teasley said, emphasizing the need to keep that narrative alive for youngsters who might otherwise never hear it.
Marilyn Rogers, chairperson of the Lansing Juneteenth Committee, underscored the event’s dual purpose of celebration and education. “We wanted to celebrate tradition and history during Juneteenth week, and this partnership with local teams helps us do exactly that,” she remarked, highlighting the committee’s ongoing effort to weave cultural remembrance into community activities.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set over Benjamin Davis Park, the echo of cheers lingered, signaling a hopeful future where the stories of the Negro Leagues continue to inspire. Organizers expressed confidence that such gatherings would not only preserve history but also nurture the next wave of talent and enthusiasm for the sport.