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Scout Honors African-American Baseball Legends

Robert Scott
Robert Scott, Macon Negro League baseball pioneer at Luther Williams Field. (Photo credit: 13WMAZ)

Macon, Ga., Negro League baseball trailblazers are inspiring young athletes to follow in their footsteps and leave a legacy for other African-American baseball players for years to come. Rising Eagle Scout Gordon S. from the Central Georgia Council learned about the local baseball pioneers and was impassioned to honor the baseball greats with his Eagle Scout project.

Gordon raised $3,000 to honor four Macon-native Negro National League baseball players at Luther Williams Field in Central City Park. The Scout raised funds to erect four commemorative plaques for Lemeul Hawkins, Marion Cain, Ernest “Big Dog” Fann, and Robert Scott.

“I wanted the community to know about their history in Macon,” shared Gordon with WGXA TV. “It kind of had a part in my heart because they paved the way for me.”

Ernest “Big Dog” Fann said it’s an honor to be recognized during Black History Month and appreciates the hard work the Scout put into making the dedication happen. 

“You know, as a kid, I had no feelings about honors or trophies. I just wanted to play baseball,” explained Fann. “Right now, it hit me that what I did was important and that’s one of the greatest feelings you can have, to know that you went through life and was an impact on a country. That’s a good feeling.”

Ten total former Negro National League players are from Macon. The Scout says he hopes to continue raising funds to honor the remaining players. As a baseball player himself, Gordon says he will always remember the stars’ significant contribution to sports history.

“It’s a good feeling in my heart to know that they started it for me so I can think about them as I’m playing,” said Gordon.

To read the full story, head to WGXA TV to learn more about this Scout’s homage to black baseball legends in his community. You can also hear how Gordon and other Scouts are honoring African-American leaders by reading Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh’s blog post, Scouting Proudly Observes Black History Month.

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Hayley

Hayley Cordaro is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She loves sharing inspiring success stories and uncovering new ways volunteers and employees can make the most of their Scouting experience. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.