Presidents, Celebrities, Legends Tip Their Caps to 100 Year Anniversary of the Negro Leagues
Remember the Derek Jeter #RE2PECT hat tips in 2014? Back then, there were former teammates of his tipping their cap in respect for “The Captain”.
We thought to get Michael Jordan was a big deal.
But Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Museum, had a grander and in his words “crazier” plan in mind for us in — and oh boy, #TipYourCap2020 has been big.
Four U.S. Presidents, along with Billie Jean King, Magic Johnson, Hall-of-Fame baseball players, celebrities, and over 100 million people worldwide have been tipping their caps to the 100 year anniversary of the Negro Leagues.
Though people of color had been playing competitive baseball as far back as 1855, the Negro National League, founded by Rube Foster in 1920, was considered the highest level of play made available to any athlete, no matter the color of their skin. The reason it’s called the plural, Negro League’s’, is because there were numerous institutions that were formed and then were broken up for economic reasons, all of which the Negro Leagues museum represents. Baseball players such as Hall-of-Famers Bob Gibson, Satchel Paige, and Atlanta Braves Legend Hank Aaron played in the Negro Leagues — and that is only naming a few.
In an interview on MLB Network on June 29th, Kendrick was moved by the overwhelming response to this movement.
“It’s galvanized us around our great sport and the winning spirit around the Negro Leagues,” said Kendrick, “and what more can you ask for?”
“For baseball, the Negro Leagues to bring people together in this fashion at a time when we really need it, it is something I really take pride in.”
Now enjoy the videos of all these stand-out responses to the #TipYourCap2020 campaign:
Today I’m tipping my hat to all the giants in the Negro Leagues, from Satchel Paige to Toni Stone and so many others. Their brave example, first set 100 years ago, changed America’s pastime for the better––opening it up for new generations of players and fans alike. pic.twitter.com/05jWocKs17
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 29, 2020
I am proud to join the #TipYourCap2020 campaign in honor of the centennial of the Negro Leagues and the talented men and women who played in them from 1920 through 1960. The Negro Leagues made baseball better and America better. pic.twitter.com/ToG1xOOLRr
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) June 29, 2020
President Bush: #tipyourcap2020 https://t.co/okn4WrJhUS
— TipYourCap2020 (@TipYourCap2020) June 29, 2020
The 2020 season marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the Negro Leagues. Prior to breaking the color barrier in @MLB, Jackie Robinson played one season w/Kansas City Monarchs. We celebrate this moment in history as we continue to strive for equality for all. #TipYourCap2020 pic.twitter.com/iyrGKK7VVE
— Jackie Robinson Foundation (@JRFoundation) June 30, 2020
If a picture is worth a thousand words, this one must be worth at least a thousand retweets. A tip of the cap to the Negro Leagues from … do we even need to say his name? The incomparable Michael Jordan. #TipYourCap2020 pic.twitter.com/nMDzTT3Fi6
— TipYourCap2020 (@TipYourCap2020) June 28, 2020
We’ve been getting the Twitter handle wrong — apologies! The great Nick_Offerman tips his cap to the Negro Leagues and @nlbmprez and asks that you do the same. Please and thank you! https://t.co/f3UtXK8tHc
— TipYourCap2020 (@TipYourCap2020) July 2, 2020
We are LITERALLY giddy with this cap tip from @RobLowe. Today, we are highlighting some of the many actors, writers and creators who are tipping their caps across the country. Keep ’em coming! #tipyourcap2020 https://t.co/uNimO7dfIV
— TipYourCap2020 (@TipYourCap2020) July 2, 2020
I’m tipping my cap in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues!! #TIPYOURCAP2020!! pic.twitter.com/DBu7WQ6cvF
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) June 30, 2020
Today, we all tip our cap to the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues. #TipYourCap2020 pic.twitter.com/dIcVYiRBHj
— MLB (@MLB) June 30, 2020
I’m tipping my cap to honor the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues and remember the players who were wrongfully denied a place in Major League Baseball, and whose courage helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement. #TipYourCap2020 pic.twitter.com/IHThKOa02g
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) June 30, 2020
You know how @itstonybennett is always saying that he left his heart in San Francisco? It isn’t true. That heart is big and out for everyone to see. Thanks Tony! #TipYourCap2020 https://t.co/46riJkeEzW
— TipYourCap2020 (@TipYourCap2020) June 30, 2020
Today I tip my cap to celebrate 100th Anniversary of the Negro League. I am honored to have paved the way! @nlbmprez #tipyourcap2020 pic.twitter.com/qpQZIuAHqH
— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) June 29, 2020
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues. In honor of this milestone, I’m tipping my cap to honor those who played and helped build the foundation for the civil rights movement. #TipYourCap2020 pic.twitter.com/64JgI2zHmt
— Conan O’Brien (@ConanOBrien) June 29, 2020
To learn more about the history of the Negro Leagues, read this, or visit the museum!
To find out how to #TipYourCap, visit https://www.tippingyourcap.com/