NORFOLK, Va. — They were a special generation of baseball players and on Friday night, the Tides paid tribute to the Negro Leagues to their dedication and courage in the sport. The team donning the uniforms of the Norfolk Red Stockings who played from 1878 to the early 1900s in Hampton Roads.
Former players like Norfolk native Sam Allen were also honored. He played for the famed Kansas City Monarchs of the late 1950s. The 88 year old also presented scholarships to three area high school students who played baseball.
Allen was reflective of his life.
"For the years that I played riding that bus. Those were hard times, but it's good times now", he said. "They didn't forget us".
For current players like Tides outfielder Daniel Johnson, he gets a front row seat to learn about those who blazed a trail before him.
"There's so much history and so many players who look like me who played before and how difficult it was for them back then", he said. "To try and play in the MLB. They weren't allowed. To be here now where I've already been to the big leagues to experience that. With them paving the way for us, we wouldn't have this opportunity if it wasn't for them."
Manager Buck Britton added, "It's almost like baseball was kind of at the forefront of all this stuff. I think it's special for the game".
Allen says he savors moments like this at this stage of his life.
"I'm really enjoying the ride".