Dr. J. B. Martin President of the Negro American League

Dr. J. B. Martin is flanked by JOSEPH LOUIS BARROW (left), the legendary "Brown Bomber," considered by many to be the finest heavyweight champion in the history of boxing. Joe Louis held the world's heavyweight title from June 22, 1937 through June 25, 1948. Born in Alabama, Louis moved to Detroit as a child. Over the years, Louis fought in many ballparks who housed former Negro League Baseball teams. Among them was Yankee Stadium in New York City and Chicago's Comiskey Park Homes to the New York Black Yankees and the Chicago American Giants respectively. After winning his first 27 professional bouts (23 by knockout) Louis lost to Max Schmeling at Yankee Stadium, who knocked him out in the 12th round. But on June 22 1937, Louis rebounded from that defeat when he faced champion James J. Braddock in Chicago's Comiskey Park. Although he was dropped early, Louis rose from the canvas to score an eighth-round knockout becoming the first African American to win the heavyweight title since Jack Johnson in 1908. • As for Ernie Banks (right) he never played minor league ball, jumping directly from the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues to the Chicago Cubs. By 1957 he was one of the most feared power hitters in the league. Ernie "Let's Play Two," Banks went on to hit 512 home runs and win two MVP awards in a Hall of Fame career. Today "Mr. Cub" is an ambassador for the Chicago Cubs.

Seated on the right is former Negro American League President and Chicago American Giants owner Dr. J. B. Martin. Along with two fellow owners, they are there to map out an upcoming Negro League Baseball Schedule.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Walk of Fame in Chicago, Illinois displaying plaque of the former Negro American League Baseball President and former owner of the Chicago American Giants ... Dr. J. B. Martin.

Along the sidewalk of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive (Chicago, Il) showing the plaque of Dr. J. B. Martin, owner of the Chicago American Giants and former President of baseball's Negro American League.

Hotel Grand - Chicago Illinois (former home of NAL Office)

Hotel Grand - Chicago Illinois (former home of NAL Office) the location where Dr. J. B. Martin had his offices and where former Negro League Legend Johnny Washington signed his first pro contract with the Chicago American Giants.

Former home of Negro American League & Chicago American Giants President Dr. J.B. Martin. Located on South Drexel Avenue, immediately south of Chicago's beautiful Hyde Park Neighborhood.