Hall of Famer great Hank Aaron has died. He played for a short time in Jacksonville for the Sally League's Jacksonville Braves. Per ESPN, it was another example of the racism Aaron faced throughout his career.
Along with the experiences of the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Martin Luther King, Stetson Kennedy and so many others, it is amazing how prevalent racism and anti-progressive attitudes were in Jacksonville in the 1950's and early 60's. While I would like to think we have come along way since then, it appears that the legacy of anti-progressives appears to still be embedded in our local culture as seen in resistance to the HRO, the school bond issue, addressing the needs of the NW quadrant, electing right-wing politicians, falling behind in visioning our downtown, ignoring climate change, dissing COVID advice, etc. Sad.
....In 1952, Aaron signed with the Negro League Indianapolis Clowns and, his talent obvious to the major league scouts scouring the final vestiges of Black leagues, lasted less than a month. Boston Braves owner Lou Perini signed Aaron, and his dynamic ascension began, from a year in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to promotion to Jacksonville of the notoriously racist South Atlantic League in 1953. Without cameras or interest from the national media, it was Aaron, along with teammates Felix Mantilla and Joe Andrews, who integrated the hostile Sally League, with Aaron winning the MVP....
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30759337/hank-aaron-lasting-impact-measured-more-home-runs
