Almost 65 years ago, the former Greenville Majors played the most legendary baseball game in local history.
The April 10, 1949 exhibition contest between the Majors and the New York Yankees, which the Majors won 4-3, will be remembered during a special event next week.
“The Greenville Majors Remembrance Ceremony” is scheduled for 4 p.m. April 10 inside Greenville Municipal Auditorium, 2821 Washington Street. “Greenville Majors Fan” Greg Sims, who organized the event, said it is designed to allow his fellow fans just a taste of what it might have felt like to be at the game.
“It is a real David and Goliath story,” Sims said. “It is meant to be totally campy. We can cheer the Majors and boo the Yankees.”
Tuesday’s Lunch Break Special at the Audie Murphy-American Cotton Museum featured Dr. John Mark Dempsey, who helped organize the effort which resulted in the placement of a historical marker at the former Majors Stadium in downtown Greenville. Dempsey offered details of the game and the team’s history, which will be featured in Sunday’s Herald-Banner Brunch section.
Next week’s anniversary commemoration is expected to include a member of the Texas Rangers as an honored guest, the playing of the National Anthem, the announcement of the line ups for the Majors and Yankees, a group singing of ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game’ and more.
According to a Texas Historical Commission marker at the gate, Casey Stengel was the Yankees’ manager that day and Joe DiMaggio played center field.
Sims is asking anyone who may have been at the game, or who has memories of the Greenville Majors to share, to attend and be a part of the event.