WICHITA, Kansas – The NBC Baseball Foundation and The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) are partnering to celebrate the contributions of Satchel Paige and other black baseball players throughout the month of July. Starting July 1st, TKAAM showcases a new NBC exhibit showcasing Bobby Boyd, Ozzie Smith and Satchel Paige, with a ticket giveaway in conjunction with the 90th NBC World Series this month.
“We are proud to serve as a community partner for an event that celebrates the life and legacy of a baseball legend like Leroy Satchel Paige,” said TKAAM Education Manager Brad Richards, “This partnership allows us to combine our core pillars of history, education, and culture to engage with NBC supporters and the overall Wichita community”
Paige’s appearance and victory with the Bismarck Churchills in the first National Baseball Congress Semi-Pro Invitational in Wichita in 1935, more than a decade before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, was a main catalyst for the NBC World Series’ success.
“Satchel Paige’s life and legacy is one of immense talent, determination, joy, and breaking down barriers,” said NBC Director Katie Woods, “The opportunity to showcase his contributions here in Wichita, which many may not know about, and give a new generation the chance to learn about him, is very special.”
TKAAM x NBC World Series Events:
- Month of July:
- All guests who visit TKAAM prior to July 25 receive a free ticket to Satchel Paige Night at the NBC World Series on July 25.
- TKAAM will display information on the contributions and careers of black baseball players in Wichita and with the National Baseball Congress
- July 25:
- NBC World Series Opening Night at Eck Stadium
- Gates open at 5:00pm
- Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
- Pre-Game Ceremony & First Pitch from members of the Paige family
- Games at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm to kick off the 90th NBC World Series
- Tickets start at $12
- Satchel Paige Family Reception at Eck Stadium’s All-American Club
- Opportunity to hear from the Paige family about his life & legacy
- Tickets are $50 and include dinner, game ticket, and reception
- Several local organizations including Heroes Academy and Equity Initiative will receive tickets to the event courtesy of community partners Evergy, Capitol Federal Foundation and INTRUST Bank.
- NBC World Series Opening Night at Eck Stadium
- July 31:
- Senior Wednesday at TKAAM featuring Negro League baseball teacher, author and historian Phil Dixon
- Event runs from 10:00-11:30
- Free Admission
- Senior Wednesday at TKAAM featuring Negro League baseball teacher, author and historian Phil Dixon
About the NBC Baseball Foundation: The National Baseball Congress World Series has been a cornerstone of summer collegiate and independent baseball for over 89 years, providing a platform for players to showcase their talents and fostering a sense of community among baseball enthusiasts. The NBC Baseball Foundation 501c3 strives to connect communities through baseball, and foster a love for the game while celebrating the history. The NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, will be held July 25-August 3 at Eck Stadium in Wichita.
For more information about the National Baseball Congress, please contact: Katie Woods, Tournament Director at katie@nbcbaseball.com or 316-265-6236 or visit nbcbaseball.com.
About The Kansas African American Museum: The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonant with every Kansan. The vision of the Kansas African American Museum is to be the premier place where the communities come to learn about or tell the Kansas African American story. To serve as the cultural hub for innovative collaboration, familial and historic storytelling, thought provoking exhibits, highly sought-after collections and interactive continuous learning centered around the African American experience, TKAAM focuses on history, education, art, and culture for unique cultural experiences. TKAAM is proud to be a community partner for the Satchell Paige Celebration game of the National Baseball Congress Tournament on July 25th!
For more information about The Kansas African American Museum, please contact: Brad Richards, Community Outreach Coordinator at tkaamcommunityoutreach@tkaamuseum.org or 316-262-7651 or visit tkaamuseum.org
