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Sacramento recently hosted a remarkable celebration of baseball heritage and community impact: the Fifth Annual Honorary Negro League Baseball Game, held on September 21, 2025, at Sacramento State’s John Smith Field. The event has become a premier platform for honoring the legacy of the Negro Leagues while giving talented Black and Brown high school athletes a chance to showcase their skills for college and professional scouts.
Bridging History and Opportunity
The game was founded by Todd Sullivan, owner of Perfect Game Pitching Solutions, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing a gap in exposure and opportunity for young athletes in Northern and Central California, Sullivan created the game to connect promising players with scouts and college programs. Over its five-year history, the event has produced tangible results: at least one player annually has received a college scholarship or been selected for MLB Develops, turning local talent into real opportunities.
Players from across the region participate in teams adorned in classic Negro League jerseys, celebrating the rich history of Black baseball while competing at the highest level. In past years, jerseys have honored legendary teams like the Birmingham Black Barons and the Indianapolis Clowns, allowing players and fans alike to connect with the sport’s storied past.
Legendary Guests and Community Celebration
The Honorary Negro League Game attracts not just players, but baseball icons and community leaders. The 2025 edition featured legendary MLB figures Dusty Baker and Greg Vaughn, providing inspiration and guidance for the next generation of athletes. Beyond the diamond, the event has evolved into a full community celebration, including a Health Fair, support for Black-owned businesses, fundraising for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and engagement with local youth programs.
Organizers stress that the event is more than just a game—it’s a legacy tribute. Young athletes are reminded of the challenges and triumphs of the Negro League players who paved the way, creating a bridge between history and present-day opportunity.
Pro Merch Honors the Legacy
Fans of the Negro Leagues can now celebrate this history in style with the Pro Merch Negro Leagues Unisex ComfortWash® Garment Dyed Crewneck Sweatshirt collection. These vintage-inspired sweatshirts are made from a cotton-rich blended fleece, offering warmth without bulk, with a garment-dyed, retro finish that evokes the classic feel of Negro League uniforms.
Pro Merch offers an extensive range of team options, including the Birmingham Black Barons, Chicago American Giants, Philadelphia Stars, Detroit Stars, and more. Each sweatshirt is a versatile wardrobe staple, pairing perfectly with jeans, sweats, or leggings for a casual yet historically significant look. Explore the full Pro Merch collection here to find your favorite piece of baseball history.
More Than a Game
The Honorary Negro League Game is a celebration of diversity, talent, and the enduring spirit of baseball. It provides young athletes with exposure, connects communities with their history, and shines a spotlight on Black excellence in sports. Each swing, pitch, and catch is a tribute to the legends of the past, while simultaneously giving today’s players a chance to write their own future.
With Pro Merch, fans and athletes alike can carry that legacy off the field, showcasing their appreciation for the sport’s rich history and timeless style. From classic team sweatshirts to championship commemoratives, the collection ensures that the Negro League spirit remains alive and accessible for every baseball enthusiast.
The Fifth Annual Honorary Negro League Baseball Game in Sacramento proves that baseball is not only a game—it’s a living celebration of heritage, community, and opportunity, one that continues to inspire generations.