Prince George's County
Celebrates 300 years of history 1696-1996

ROUGH DIAMONDS SHINE IN THE TRICENTENNIAL YEAR: PRINCE GEORGE'S STADIUM DONS BLACK HISTORY EXHIBIT

In celebration of the Prince George's County Tricentennial, the Black History Program of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission presents an exhibit entitled,"Rough Diamonds: The Mid-Atlantic Negro Leagues and Sandlot Heroes."

The exhibit, made possible through major support from the Maryland Baseball Association, is housed at Prince George's Stadium for the duration of the Bowie Baysox 1996 baseball season which runs from April through September.

Rough Diamonds tells the fascinating history of the Negro Leagues and sandlot baseball played in this area before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in professional baseball.

Throughout the year, the exhibit highlights different neighborhoods and the teams they sponsored, such as the Brentwood Flashes, Mitchellville Tigers, Burville AC's. There are also special exhibit tours for interested school groups, autograph opportunities, interactive CD-ROM computer activities, lectures and family events to accompany the exhibit.

One event that will be incorporated into the showing is Old Fashioned Day at the stadium on July 6. This festive day-long program will be filled with family fun, food and games including an "old-timers" baseball game with some former Negro League players.

The success of Rough Diamonds depends in large measure on public support. Organizers are seeking information, photographs, other memorabilia and equipment of the mid-Atlantic Negro Leagues' teams as well as area sandlot teams which played in Prince George's and surrounding counties during that era.

For more information on the program or to share your experiences and knowledge of the players and teams discussed, call Gail Thomas at (301)779-2011.

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