Some sad news - Former Detroit Negro Leagues player Joe Henry dies

[TFM_Dale]

You longer term NLTers will no doubt remember the Prince. I had the pleasure of speaking to Joe on many occasions and considered him a friend even though I never actually met him. This really bums me out.

http://www.freep.com/article/2009010...Joe+Henry+dies

ST. LOUIS — Family, friends and baseball fans are mourning the death of former Negro Leagues player (Prince) Joe Henry, known for his skills at entertaining crowds.

Henry was to be buried today at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in south St. Louis County following a funeral service at Lovejoy Civic Center in Brooklyn, Ill.

He died Jan. 2 at age 78.

Henry grew up in Brooklyn, Ill. He played in the Negro Leagues from 1950 to 1959 as an infielder for the Memphis Red Sox, Detroit Stars, Indianapolis Clowns and Detroit Clowns.

Teams like the Indianapolis Clowns were known for on-field antics to entertain crowds.

“He was among those players and that tradition,” said Raymond Doswell, curator of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Mo., which preserves the history of African-American baseball.

“He wore shorts as part of his uniform, his hat bill turned around crooked and was animated at the plate."

Henry later worked for American Motors, becoming one of the first African Americans in United Auto Workers history to serve as a chief steward. Beginning in 2005, he wrote a column for the Riverfront Times in St. Louis called “Ask a Negro Leaguer.”

[Anthony]

This is sad news indeed. He will be missed.

[hawk-champ]

um.... I remeber the days when dave told me stories about Prince. I never met him or talked to him, but I had a lot of respect for him and what he did. that makes me really sad.

rest in peace

hawk-champ

[Phoenix_Rising]

I appreciate you letting us know Dale, someone should probably call Dave.

Bad day.

[smartbenny24]

Sad news for sure. Prince Joe and his stories have been a major fixture in the history of NLT.

[RedHawk]

Joe and I spoke almost weekly for years, clear up until a day before he passed away. I'd also gotten to know his wife, Lu, and his grandson, Shawn, quite well. Many times during the last few months when I'd call, Joe was not feeling well and could hardly speak - he had little stamina left and was fighting stomach problems and bouts with the flu and colds. In many ways Joe became a grandfather to me and my adopted son. He was certainly loved by many.

I just now got off the phone with his wife who has been handling things well. We all knew Joe was fighting to hang on and suffering more than he'd ever let on. The Friday he passed he told her she could take him to the hospital, which is when she knew his time was near as Joe hated being in a hospital. She called 911 then but it was too late. Joe's autopsy showed he passed from pneumonia.

I'll continue to be friends with his wife and his family, after-all they are like family to me. His wife and I even share recipes over the phone and it is an honor to be loved by such wonderful people. Joe will be missed but his memory, his laughter and his strong voice shall always remain a part of who I am.

If anyone wishes to send a card of sympathy they may do so:

The Henry Family
220 N. 7th Street
Lovejoy, IL 62059

[hawk-champ]

hey dave, good to read something from you, how are you doing, it's a long time ago we talked. I hope you and your son are doing good.

cheers
sascha

[Rewster]

Although sad news indeed the one thing that should lighten everyone's heart is the fact that he was still alive to see the efforts that he and others put forth finally come to be recognized and admired.

[brian]

http://www.sidesofmarch.com/index.ph...baseball-team/

[Phoenix_Rising]

Thanks Brian, Seriously. Just, thanks.