ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — The crack of a bat, the sound of laughter and the smell of fried chicken once defined Sunday afternoons across Southern Maryland.
That sense of community returned April 12 at the Dodge Performing Arts Center, where former players and community members gathered for “Sundays Revisited: A Conversation on Black League Baseball in Southern Maryland.”
Hosted by St. Mary’s College of Maryland in partnership with Historic Sotterley and the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition, the event brought together decades of living history, some of it shared publicly for the first time.
A Community Built Around The Game
For many players, baseball was never just about the score.
“It was the camaraderie of all the teams, the memories with your teammates,” one former player said. “All of these guys here are not just friends, that’s one of my fondest memories.”
Those friendships were forged on fields across the region, where as many as 20 teams once competed, drawing crowds from surrounding communities.
“Just getting out of the car and walking to the field you could smell that fried chicken before the game even started,” another player said. “That was part of it.”
More Than A Game
The panel discussion highlighted how Sunday games became a cultural tradition, often taking place after church and serving as a central gathering point.
“There’d be fried chicken, cold beer, music, sometimes a DJ,” one player said. “If we didn’t sell the beer, we drank it.”
The memories drew laughter from the crowd, but also underscored a deeper truth: these games created spaces of joy and connection during a time of segregation.
Moments That Defined a Lifetime
Players also reflected on their proudest moments on the field.
“My fondest memory was, as a team, in 1981 we won 21 games straight,” one player said. “And we won the title.”
Others pointed not to wins, but to the experience itself.
“Just one last time playing baseball that’s what stays with you,” another added.
A Special Voice: ‘Peanut’ Shares Her Story
A highlight of the event came from a portrayal of Mamie ‘Peanut’ Johnson, performed by Shemika Renee, who brought to life the story of one of the first women to play in the Negro Leagues.
“They said, ‘This little girl ain’t bigger than a peanut. I ain’t scared of her,’” Renee, portraying Johnson, recalled with a smile. “So I struck him out again.”
Johnson, who played for the Indianapolis Clowns as a teenager, described baseball as both a passion and a pathway.
“I played for the Indianapolis Clowns for two years, from 17 to about 19 years old,” she said. “It was a wonderful opportunity for those doors to be able to open for me.”
Her journey was not without obstacles. After being turned away from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, she found another path forward.
“When one door closes, another door opens,” Johnson said. “They hired me the next day, that was the All-American Girls’ loss.”
She also reflected on learning from some of the game’s greats.
“My greatest pride came from learning the curveball,” she said, noting she later realized the significance of the player who taught her.
Despite the challenges of segregation, Johnson emphasized the sense of family within the game.
“On my team, they were my brothers,” she said. “Just like I count all of you wonderful gentlemen my brothers as well.”
She encouraged attendees to hold onto the culture and connections the game created.
“Embrace those moments, hold tight to those memories … that’s what means the most to all of us,” Johnson said.
Passing The Game To The Next Generation
During the lobby session, the spirit of mentorship was just as evident as the memories shared on stage.
Former player David Briscoe of the Oakville Tigers took time to connect with young attendees, offering advice rooted in discipline and hard work.
Briscoe encouraged the children to focus on doing well in school, working hard and staying committed to their goals. He also asked about the sports they play, engaging them in a conversation that bridged generations.
For families in attendance, the moment underscored that the legacy of Black baseball in Southern Maryland continues, not only through stories of the past, but through mentorship and guidance for the future.
Preserving A Living History
The event featured dozens of former players, many now reflecting on careers that spanned decades, and gave attendees the opportunity to meet them, hear their stories and view memorabilia.
Through their voices, a clearer picture emerged of what Black League baseball meant to Southern Maryland: not just a sport, but a cornerstone of community life.
Event Details
“Sundays Revisited: A Conversation on Black League Baseball in Southern Maryland” was held Sunday, April 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Dodge Performing Arts Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
The free event was presented by St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Historic Sotterley and the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition.
The Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition works to research, preserve and share the region’s full history by partnering with schools, libraries, museums and community organizations to ensure stories of Black, Indigenous and other underrepresented communities are documented and accessible.
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