Have you ever heard of the Black Crackers or the Atlanta Black Braves?

The recent celebration of Life for Shepard Porter, Jr. was an event that will long be remembered. But, did you know him? Have you ever heard of this humble giant who departed this life at age 94 on Independence Day 2017?

While growing up in the south, I was familiar with several types of crackers, but today was my first time hearing of the Black Crackers, a baseball team in the Negro Leagues. Shepard began pitching for the Black Crackers in 1947, the same year that Jackie Robinson broke down major league baseball’s color barrier.

In spite of numerous hardships because of his race, Shepard, learned to overcome adversity and play ball like his great counterparts: Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, Roy Campanella, and Jackie Robinson—who began his career with the all black Kansas City Monarchs and then took the Negro leagues’ fast pace brand of play with him to the major leagues.

I salute World War II Air Force veteran and Negro Leagues Baseball Hall of Famer Shepard Porter, Jr. who was married to Edna for 61 years.

I welcome your comments.