History Exhibit Features Stories From The Negro Leagues

DENVER (CBS4)- A new exhibit at the Aurora History Museum highlights a piece of baseball history that's often forgotten.

This week Critic at Large Greg Moody took a tour of, and was impressed by, "Pride and Passion: The African American Baseball Experience."

Negro League Baseball existed because African Americans were banned from playing in the major leagues until 1947. So, they formed their own leagues.

The story of the Negro Leagues is told through some great displays with a lot of memorabilia. There is also a series of photographs, including one of Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first black major league player in the 1800s.

Moody said if you visit the exhibit at the right time, you may run into Mack Pride. He lives in Wheat Ridge now, but took his place on the pitcher's mound with Memphis and the Kansas City Monarchs.

Mac knew baseball legend Satchel Paige.

"He told me, he said, 'Hey Pride, I ain't never seen a little fella through a ball that hard'," said Pride.

He said a lot of things have changed since then, including the absence of a disabled list.

"You didn't take no 15 days out. We didn't have a bullpen," said Pride.

Even though his career was cut short by an accident, Pride still loves the game.

"And I got a chance to play, so I thank God every morning and every night," said Pride. "I love the game. You got all that good air, good exercise. Hot dogs ain't bad either."

"Pride and Passion" is at the Aurora History Museum through Sept. 23. There's no cost for visitors.

Mack Pride will be making an official appearance at the exhibit on Sept. 18.