Celebrating Negro League History in Charlotte: A Look at Ray Banks and Pat Listach’s Impact

The annual Negro League tribute night at the Charlotte Knights ballpark was extra special this year with the presence of Negro League historian Ray Banks and Knights bench coach Pat Listach, who has a personal connection to the league.

Ray Banks, who runs the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro League Baseball in Baltimore, brought his traveling museum to Charlotte to educate fans about the rich history of the league. Banks expressed his passion for sharing this history, stating that it is what he believes God wants him to do.

On the Knights coaching staff, bench coach Pat Listach carries on the legacy of his grandfather Nora, who played for the Birmingham Black Barons in the 1940s. Listach grew up listening to his grandfather’s stories about the challenges faced by Negro League players, and he is now working to help grow the game in the Black community.

Listach acknowledges that there is still work to be done, as the percentage of African American players in the MLB has decreased significantly since he entered the league in 1992. He looks up to the players of the past and hopes to inspire the next generation of Black baseball players.

As Listach continues his coaching career in Charlotte, he is proud to be making a difference and following in his grandfather’s footsteps. He believes that his grandfather would be proud of his accomplishments and his efforts to help others succeed in the sport.

The annual Negro League tribute night serves as a reminder of the important history of Black baseball players and the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport.