WASHINGTON — Congress will host and pay tribute to veterans of the Negro Baseball Leagues, with a luncheon, a House resolution honoring league veterans and a press conference led by House Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK). About 100 Negro league veterans, including Willie Mays, Harlem’s World Series Little League team, celebrities like M.C. Hammer and Blair Underwood and others will join Reps. Watts, Danny Davis (D-IL), Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and other Members for the September 18th salute on Capitol Hill.

“The influence of the Negro Baseball Leagues on sports and America is one of the most underrated chapters in our nation’s history,” Watts said. “Some of the men who played ball before desegregation went on to become household names.

“There were many players who could keep up with today’s stars, yet we will never know their stories. We think nothing of seeing an all-star man of color hit home run after home run. It is difficult to realize we would not see that same player a half century ago. As a sportsman myself, I can wish for no other goal except for my neighbor to judge me on my performance rather than the color of my skin,” said Watts.