Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Nostalgia Prompts Return of Negro Baseball Leagues
Hot on the heels of this article comes The Onion's startling revelation about MLB's latest plan to appeal to African-Americans and memorabilia collectors alike: a return to segregation in separate-but-equal leagues.
"'Some of the greatest baseball players in history were in the Negro Leagues,' Selig said. 'Even so, most of them were relative unknowns in their day. Well, now we have the advantage of working in reverse. By taking talented, pre-established All-Stars like Kenny Lofton, Sammy Sosa, and Gary Sheffield out of the Major Leagues, we make instant Negro League superstars.'"
"While he acknowledged that his plan has its critics, Selig said the 'shadow league' will revitalize baseball.
"'A new generation will get to see the tragic majesty of Negro League play," Selig said. 'Once again, baseball fans will be able to argue over whether or not a black player could make it in the majors, even if the player in question was already there. And maybe, just maybe, the brave Jackie Robinson of a new generation will dare to defy my color line and become a symbol of triumph. That'd really sell tickets.'"
(Sorry, I couldn't resist posting this one. You may remember last year's Onion scoop: "Yankees Ensure 2003 Pennant by Signing Every Player in Baseball.")
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Hot on the heels of this article comes The Onion's startling revelation about MLB's latest plan to appeal to African-Americans and memorabilia collectors alike: a return to segregation in separate-but-equal leagues.
"'Some of the greatest baseball players in history were in the Negro Leagues,' Selig said. 'Even so, most of them were relative unknowns in their day. Well, now we have the advantage of working in reverse. By taking talented, pre-established All-Stars like Kenny Lofton, Sammy Sosa, and Gary Sheffield out of the Major Leagues, we make instant Negro League superstars.'"
"While he acknowledged that his plan has its critics, Selig said the 'shadow league' will revitalize baseball.
"'A new generation will get to see the tragic majesty of Negro League play," Selig said. 'Once again, baseball fans will be able to argue over whether or not a black player could make it in the majors, even if the player in question was already there. And maybe, just maybe, the brave Jackie Robinson of a new generation will dare to defy my color line and become a symbol of triumph. That'd really sell tickets.'"
(Sorry, I couldn't resist posting this one. You may remember last year's Onion scoop: "Yankees Ensure 2003 Pennant by Signing Every Player in Baseball.")
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