Whirty: Jerry Malloy Conference: Unity in passion, strength in numbers
From SABR member Ryan Whirty at Home Plate Don’t Move on August 14, 2017:
It’s been more than two weeks since the conclusion of the 2017 Jerry Malloy conference in Harrisburg, and I’m just now putting fingers to keys in reflection. It’s taken me so long, I think, because there’s been so many other things flitting through and swirling around in my head.
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As black baseball historians and enthusiasts, we’ve tried to show people, through the lens of the American pastime, that all people are capable of great, courageous, honorable things, that wondrous achievements can be forged in the crucible of fear and hate, and that, ultimate, love, understanding and bravery can eventually triumph over darkness.
Because of this dedication — and the overwhelmingly positive response from the public, SABR and the average baseball [fan] — we, as a family of researchers, writers and fans, have come to believe personally in the notion that every one of us can always strive for knowledge, for learning, for personal betterment and the betterment of our society. We believe that one man or one woman — a Jackie Robinson, an Effa Manley, a Rube Foster — can make a difference, can change minds and win over hearts. We learn about such legendary figures, and they inspire us as individuals to make ourselves and our country better.
Read the full article here: https://homeplatedontmove.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/unity-in-passion-strength-in-numbers/
- Related link: Find more coverage of the 2017 SABR Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference at SABR.org/malloy
Originally published: August 15, 2017. Last Updated: April 22, 2020.