I work at Harris-Stowe State College, a historically black college or university (HBCU). Coincidentally, our current baseball field sits on the site of Saint Louis Stars Stadium, the place where the Negro League St. Louis Stars team played (1921-32).

A few days ago, I was lucky to attend an event, in which the St. Louis Chapter of the Bob Broeg Society is placing a permanent marker on our campus at that site, to celebrate one of the places in Saint Louis where baseball history was made.

I had a chance to meet and talk to Sam Taylor, one of the last remaining Negro Leager's to play in the old stadium. He was a Kansas City Monarch, and he spoke of the days when the team would play 7 games in a weekend in 3 different cities, and then head home to their regular jobs. He met, knew, roomed, or played with all the greats: Paige, Robinson, Gibson, O'Neal, and many of the new Hall-of-Famers (Class of 2006).

It was a hell of an experience, and for him to take time out of his day, especially in his physical condition, at his age, is a testament to how important and special the Negro Leagues were in the history of baseball in America.

He also signed the program for me, which will become part of my Personal Collection that I hold dearly to my heart.