They had just been named the worst organization in all the minor leagues by Baseball America . I was 23, and I figured I could turn things around and make a name for myself. I quickly discovered otherwise.

I realize it's only one line in a book the size of the Manhattan phone book. But for a geek like me who loves sports history and the history of the Negro Leagues, this is huge.

They could move here and still retain their name as the New York Black Yankees. The New York would go from referring to the city to the state.

Strange things can happen. I refuse to believe anybody is automatically counted out of the district tournaments. Baseball is like that.

It's kind of like, if I wasn't in the game, if I wasn't even part of professional baseball, if it wasn't my job, I'd be excited just for the area. Just knowing we're going to have somebody coming in bringing all these changes, the excitement that he brings is very uplifting. It's fun to be part of it.

Willie Mays is an American icon and he is obviously one of the most recognizable figures with Negro League baseball. To have someone of his stature and to take his time to come, helps to legitimize the event and show how important it is to recognize the event.