Baltimore Black Sox Memorial (2026 Update)
Starting in 2024, Parks & People, in partnership with the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP), began collaboration on the Baltimore Black Sox Memorial in Westport, a project to ensure that the legacy of the Baltimore Black Sox is celebrated and remembered for generations to come. The memorial's focus and core attraction will be a collection of sculptures in the likenesses of persons selected via a nomination process.
The Baltimore Black Sox Sculpture Project (BBSP) aims to honor a representative group of Baltimore Black Sox players, managers, coaches, owners, and other people affiliated with this Negro Leagues team. The Memorial is envisioned to be one of the crown jewels of the Reimagine Middle Branch (RMB) initiative. Listen to the podcast below from DC News Now to learn more about the memorial and the partners involved in the future of the Westport Waterfront Park.
The Baltimore Black Sox
Founded in 1913, the Baltimore Black Sox became one of the most celebrated teams in Negro League baseball after making Westport their home in 1917. The team reached the pinnacle of success in 1929, capturing the American Negro League pennant with an impressive 61-28 record. The Baltimore Black Sox Memorial will honor the team's lasting contributions to the sport and its significant role in Baltimore's African American history. Several Black Sox players went on to earn induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, including Leon Day, Pete Hill, Biz Mackey, Satchel Paige, Mule Suttles, Ben Taylor, and Jud Wilson.
Baltimore Black Sox Sculpture Project
Maryland Art Place (MAP), in collaboration with Parks & People and the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP), is leading a regional artist engagement process to commission large-scale sculptures honoring the Baltimore Black Sox. The Black Sox Sculpture Project (BSSP) will create a lasting public art memorial that recognizes the team's contributions to baseball and Baltimore's cultural heritage while elevating the stories of the players, the community, and their enduring legacy.
The BSSP is expected to start with an initial group of three sculptures. Then, in successive years, additional figures will be added annually as funding allows.
Project Timeline: Westport Waterfront Park & Black Sox Memorial
Help Honor Baltimore's Negro League Legends: Nominate a Historical Figure
The Black Sox Sculpture Project (BSSP) aims to create a memorial in Westport featuring historic signage, educational spaces, and a collection of sculptures honoring selected Black Sox figures whose contributions helped define Baltimore's rich baseball history.
Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate this player or another Baltimore Black Sox figure for consideration as part of this lasting tribute to the Negro Leagues' legacy. Nominations close September 30th at 5:00pm EST.
