IN SUPER BOWL XLI it was not only the first time that two African
American Coaches have gotten into the Super Bowl (Lovie Smith of
the Chicago Bears - the first - and Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis
Colts - the second - with Tony coming out victorious) but it was also
the first time in 32 years that two African American coaches have ever
faced each other in a championship since 1975.
And only the third time in almost 60 years that two African American coaches have ever
faced each other in a professional championship in the United States of America.
There has never been two African American Coaches competing against one
and other for a Championship in 3 of the five major professional
"Modern Day" sports such as Major League Baseball, the Canadian
Football League, and the National Hockey League.
NOT SINCE 1975 HAS THE NBA seen two Africian American Coaches challenge
for a championship. That spring the Golden State Warriors headed up by
Al Alttles swept HOFer KC Jones and his Washington Bullets- nee
Wizzards - four games to none.
The Warriors were led by HOFer Rick
Barry.
Prior to that NBA Championship, it wasn't until 1948 when two African
American managers competed for the Negro League World Series.
Skippered by Piper Davis, the Birmingham Black Barons defeated the
Baltimore Elites who were led by Hoss Walker. Today, both those
managers have since passed as well as many of their players including
(for Baltimore) HOF Brooklyn Dodger Catcher, Roy Campenella.
However, there are five players remaining from the winning squad. The
players who are still alive today include baseball Hall of Famer Willie
Mays, Arte Wilson, Sam Williams, Rev Bill Greason and Jim Zapp - who is
now involved with our website; www.NegroLeagueLegends.org
The only Baltimore player still alive is Andy Porter, 95, who resides in Los Angeles.
The FIRST time two "Colored" managers went head-to-head was in the 1924
Negro League World Series - in what was the first "Colored" World
Series. The eventual Champion, led by (CUBAN-born Jose Mendez) of the
Kansas City Monarchs hosted and defeated the Hilldale Club of Kansas
which were then managed by Frank Warfield, captain and Ed Bolden
manager/owner.
FACT ...... The first time two AFRICAN AMERICAN coaches challenged for
a championship, was in the 1926 Negro League World Series when
"Gentleman" Dave Malarcher of the Chicago American Giants defeated Dick
Lundy of the Bacharach Giants.
NOTE: After 1949 the leagues were absorbed and no real championship was
played--the Negro League winner was declared by standings.
MEDIA ... PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS TID-BIT. AND IF YOU CAN, A
COURTESY WOULD BE APPRECIATED AS THIS INFO WAS Provided courtesy of
your website: www.NegroLeagueLegends.org
For autographs, questions and or appearances, please contact us at info@negroleaguelegends.org or by calling (312) 859-7788.
