Knights celebrate Negro Leagues Night, Jackie Robinson at Truist Field

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Knights celebrated Negro Leagues Night and the 75th anniversary of when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the MLB.

The seventh annual Negro Leagues tribute was Friday night at Truist Field in uptown Charlotte. Larry LeGrande, a catcher for Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige, was at Truist Field.

“He could paint the corners from one side of the plate to the other,” he said. “I never saw him throw the ball in the dirt.”

LeGrande also said he met Robinson twice.

“He was unbelievable,” LeGrande said.

LeGrande played in the Negro League, a professional league for Black men.

[RELATED COVERAGE: Jackie Robinson broke modern MLB color barrier 75 years ago]

The Knights honored LeGrande and other Negro League baseball players prior to Friday night’s game against the Memphis Redbirds.

Fans also learned more about the league’s rich history, which was on displays in the concourse.

Former player and Rock Hill native Wali Cathcart was also in attendance and recognized.

“I knew if I wanted to pursue a baseball career,” Cathcart said. “I was not going to get the opportunity in South Carolina at that time.”

Cathcart is grateful for the chance to teach a new generation of baseball fans about the league

“These guys were truly great and many of them could have played in the major leagues,” he said. “No doubt about it.

The Knights players wore Robinson’s number, #42.

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