Black History Month Includes Tribute to African American Professional and Amateur Baseball Players

mh/blkhist.pr 98-33

Contact: Christine Clarke, 301-217-2500
For Immediate Release: February 2, 1998

Black History Month Includes Tribute
to African American Professional and
Amateur Baseball Players

In celebration of Black History Month, the public is invited to a program on Thursday,
February 5 honoring former Montgomery County players of the Mid-Atlantic Negro Leagues,
as well as local amateur baseball teams. The program, which will include an autograph
session with the players, will be held in the lobby of the Executive Office Building, 101
Monroe Street in Rockville, beginning at 7 p.m. The program is sponsored by the County
Executive's Office of Community Outreach, the United Black Cultural Center and the Lincoln
Park Historical Society.
Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan and County Council President
Isiah Leggett will be among those honoring the eight former players, who include Russell
Arkward (outfielder, Newark Eagles and New York Cubans), Gordon Hopkins (infielder,
Indianapolis Clowns), Thomas Johnson (pitcher, Philadelphia Stars and Indianapolis Clowns),
Lacey Ellerbee (outfielder, Baltimore Elite Giants), Mamie Johnson-Goodman (pitcher,
Indianapolis Clowns), and Jim Cohen (Indianapolis Clowns). Two deceased brothers, Elbert
(Philadelphia Stars) and Clarence (Homestead Grays) Isreal, will also be honored.

The program will also feature musical entertainment and a brief discussion on the
history of the leagues.
All activities are free. Parking is available in the garage under the building on the
G-2 level, and across the street in the Stella Werner Council Office Building garage located at
the intersection of East Jefferson and Monroe streets.
The Executive Office Building is located three blocks from the Rockville Metro
Station.
For more information, call 217-2500.
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