“Greason is always elegant, careful in his choice of words, faithful to God, loyal to his friends, quiet, but strong too. Steady, sure and smart. Oh, and he could pitch, too.

B IRMINGHAM, Ala — Family, friends, city and state leaders gathered to celebrate and look back on the life of Rev. William “Bill” Greason for his 100th birthday celebration at Rickwood Field.

Parker Freedman/MLB Photos via Getty Images "I just wanted to be a friend," Greason told CBS News. Mays was too young to travel with the Black Barons, who barnstormed the Jim Crow ...