Monday, August 23, 2010

He Gave it His Best Shot – Willie Fordham (1927-2010)



The baseball world lost a great ambassador to the game as Negro League legend Willie Fordham passed away yesterday (8/22/2010)

Fordham, was a member of the 1952 Eastern League Harrisburg Senators and the Negro League Harrisburg Giants from 1953-1955, an accomplished author, and motivational speaker. He had the tools to make it in the Major Leagues and almost did (try out with the Dodgers in 1952) but his color held him back. I recently asked Willie how he wanted people to remember his playing days, he said “I played with and against the best players to play the game” and he followed that up by saying “I ALWAYS gave it my best shot”.

My condolences go out to Willie’s family and friends.

He inspired countless people over the years to find the best within themselves and to never give up.

Willie’s legacy will live on through his books, family, friends and those he inspired over the years.

Negro League Remembrance night will not be the same without you.

Services will be held on Saturday 8/28/2010 at 11 AM in Harrisburg (I will provide more details tomorrow).

EDIT: Services will take place Saturday at the Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell United Methodist Church, 2221 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg. Viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m., with the service to follow immediately afterward.

Book Review: I Gave It My Best Shot By Willie Fordham

Harrisburg Living Legacy: Willie Fordham

Mode Weekly: Willie Fordham

Penn Live: Susquehanna Township native, former Negro League standout Willie Fordham dies at 83

York Daily Record: Willie Fordham, 83, remembered for Negro League career

Examiner.com: Willie Fordham Negro League Pitcher Dies at 83 (1927-2010)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Willie, you will be missed!

Jane

comedyrocks.com said...

Too bad Willie wasn't playing now. He would be a superstar.

downlights said...

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C.Castillo4545 said...

So, how good is Strasburg going to be this year?

tobiasroehmer said...

RIP :/

Dave said...

People need to recognize how great the negro leagues were before MLB integrated both races. Thanks for reminding us! Seminario

Big Fat Daddy's said...

I am curious to know if any of these venues offered Barbecue at their staduims. It is surely an East Coast thing to have yummy pork and beef barbecue and also pit beef!

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sweatshirt said...

A very toughing story.

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Senators Fans Unite said...

Big Fat Daddy's - Sorry for the delay in responding as this blog is no longer monitored. MoMo's BBQ is on site and offers a variety of BBQ items