Rep. Jamie Flick announced on May 4 that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has approved his resolution to designate May 2 as Negro Leagues Day in the state.
The new observance recognizes the contributions of African American baseball players and acknowledges the significant impact that the Negro Leagues had on civil rights across the country. The move is intended to honor a legacy that has often been overlooked.
“In 1865, one of the first Negro baseball clubs was formed in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Phythians,” Flick said. “For over a century and a half, Pennsylvania has been a shining example of how sports, specifically baseball, can be a place of inclusion. This resolution ensures that legacy is honored and the stories of these groundbreaking players continue to be shared.”
Flick is an avid baseball fan and belongs to the Williamsport chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), known as the George Stovey chapter. Stovey, who was born and lived in Williamsport, is recognized as one of the best left-handed pitchers from the nineteenth century but was barred from major league play due to segregation at that time. Flick credits SABR members from Williamsport, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia chapters for suggesting this resolution and said he wants players like Stovey to receive overdue recognition.
“Baseball is America’s pastime, and I think it’s past time George Stovey and great players like him are recognized,” Flick said. “Without proper recognition, Stovey and so many players like him have been left out of the Baseball Hall of Fame.”
Flick represents Pennsylvania’s 83rd Legislative District in the state House according to his official website. He also oversees committees related to government operations and human services while supporting economic growth initiatives according to his official website. In addition to his legislative work, Flick founded Susquehanna Software—a leading provider for human services software in Pennsylvania—and manages a real estate business according to his official website.
Beyond politics, Flick has volunteered as a mentor for foster children over many years according to his official website, coached youth sports according to his official website, sponsored legislation promoting fairness in child custody laws through shared parenting reforms according to his official website, grew up on his family farm with six children himself according to his official website, and currently has two children serving in United States military service according to his official website.
