Dixon also treated guests Thursday evening to one of his original poems, entitled “We Made Baseball Better.”
In addition to games in Manhattan, the Monarchs played several contests in the Flint Hills including Abilene, Clay Center and Junction City. It was also mentioned at Thursday’s event that Douglass Center Director Dave Baker caught Satchel Paige when he played a game in Manhattan in 1964.
Players encountered a lot of adversity including racism in the communities they played in. Dixon says often the players were respected on the field, but struggled to find lodging most nights and were often barred from eating in restaurants. The Monarchs often toured with the House of David baseball club which featured Major League great Grover Cleveland Alexander among others.
Juneteenth festivities continue through the weekend in Manhattan with the United in History and Hope Community Walk at 9:45 a.m. Saturday along with the unveiling of the Douglass Center mural at 10:30 a.m. Additional activities at Douglass Park and the Rec Center will continue throughout the day.