NEWS

 

Big Train players wore Scotland Eagles jerseys on Thursday to commemorate the local Negro-league affiliated team. 

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Written by Mahaley Wise | Photo by Maya Brichacek

 

Despite heavy rains and thunderstorms, the Bethesda Big Train proudly hosted its fourth annual Clarence “Pint” Isreal Juneteenth Classic against the Gaithersburg Giants — an evening filled with celebration, community activities, and the enduring spirit of baseball. The Big Train brought the celebration to a thrilling end with an impressive on-field performance to win the game 8-2 against the Giants.

 

The first 500 fans through the gates received a special Pint Isreal bobblehead to commemorate the night and honor the legacy of a local legend. Isreal was a Montgomery County native and Negro League star who continued to give back to the local community after his playing days were done. As fans entered the ballpark, they admired the collectible figure and the inspiring story printed on the box, detailing Israel’s contributions to the game and his ties to the community. 

 

The crowd quickly dispersed throughout the ballpark and into the lively parking lot, where they explored a variety of souvenirs honoring Black sandlot teams, enjoyed mouthwatering food and drinks from bustling local food trucks, and took in the rich memorabilia on display from the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball. Bobbleheads tucked proudly under their arms, fans made their way to their seats, soaking in the atmosphere.

 

The evening officially began with a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the crowd stood in reflection and solemn tribute. Together, they honored the history of Black sandlot teams, baseball’s trailblazers, and the resilient communities they came from. The opening ceremony showcased a unified community brought together by a passion and love for the game of baseball. 

 

“I think it is important for everyone to understand the vibrancy of the…communities that we have in Montgomery County and celebrate that every day, but especially on Juneteenth. And that we celebrate how baseball played a big part in that,” said Montgomery County Councilman Andrew Friedson. 

 

Bethesda Big Train players took the field in gleaming white jerseys emblazoned with “Eagles” — a tribute to the Scotland Eagles, the closest Negro League-affiliated team to the area, honoring their legacy and lasting impact on local baseball history said Big Train President Bruce Adams. 

 

The organization for the annual event began five years ago with a discovery by Adams. He said Thursday night, “I was embarrassed about five years ago…I had no idea that literally 10 miles from my house in Emory Grove were some of the greatest players in baseball history. Negro League teams were barnstorming through Montgomery County.” He continued, “I learned that…the civic life of the black communities in Montgomery County…was all about church, school, and baseball. It was a big deal in Jim Crow Montgomery when they couldn’t do other stuff.” 

 

Together with Reverend Tim Warner and historian Bill Hickman, Adams delved into researching the rich history, players, and games of these Black sandlot teams. During this research, he discovered the wonderful story of Clarence “Pint” Isreal, whom they honor in the annual Juneteenth ceremony. “Bill and I and Big Train started this… It's a way of keeping the history alive that's why we do what we do.”

 

Clarence “Pint” Isreal grew up in Rockville, Maryland, where he first learned the game of baseball on local sandlot teams. He went on to become a standout in the Negro Leagues, earning a reputation for his exceptional defensive skills at both third and second base. Isreal held his own against some of the greatest All-Stars and Hall of Famers of his era, and in 1946, he started at third base in the Negro League World Series. His talent and leadership on the field were recognized by three Hall of Fame managers who praised his impact on the game. After his playing days, Isreal returned to his community, becoming a mentor to Black youth throughout the 1950s and 60s. 

 

“We just love this story,” stated Adams. “It was incredible perseverance, resilience, excellence, and entrepreneurship in the face of Jim Crow Montgomery County. Just a great story.” 

 

Three years ago, the Big Train partnered with the annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival to expand the Clarence “Pint” Isreal Juneteenth Classic. This year, they offered even more excitement with delicious food trucks in the parking lot and a sparkling showcase of fireworks. 

 

“Juneteenth is freedom day…we give patronage to our ancestors who were gone before us and recognize that all the hard work that they have put in is not forgotten about,” said Latisha Gasaway-Paul, Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival Founder. 

 

When asked what she hoped people would take away from today’s celebration, she said, “We are one. It is about building relationships and partnerships through all the things we can do together. As a community, if we can keep standing up and supporting each other, we can do all things that we want to.”

 

Everyone’s dedication to the evening — from community members who showed up despite the rain, to the hardworking grounds crew who ensured the field was ready for play, and the event organizers highlighted in this article — reflected a shared commitment to preserving, honoring, and continuing the legacy of the Negro Leagues, Black sandlot teams in Montgomery County, and Clarence “Pint” Isreal. 

 

The Big Train would go on to win the game 8-2 against the Giants with key performances by pitcher Drew Bellis (Central Florida), outfielder Alex Peltier (East Carolina), and designated hitter Logan Ponnett (UNC Charlotte).