Black Sox history remains strong in West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — From 1958-61, you could see Dan Groce take the mound for the Grand Rapids Black Sox as a pitcher with electric stuff.

When he took the field in 2025 at LMCU Ballpark to be recognized for his contributions to those teams, he had to laugh when he thought about just throwing out the first pitch.

“I was talking to my daughter about this just earlier today,” Groce said. “I might have to roll it (to home plate).”

While Groce and fellow teammate Johnnie Walker may not have the same skill sets they once had, what won’t be forgotten is the important part of history they played in not just the game of baseball, but also in making the world a better place.

The Black Sox were purchased by Ted Rasberry in 1946. Raspberry moved to Grand Rapids in the 1930’s to play for Elster’s Colored Athletics. When he tried to get the Black Sox into the Negro American League, he was turned down because league officials didn’t think Grand Rapids was a city with a high enough population.

In 1954, Raspberry moved the team to Detroit where they would be known as the Detroit Stars. 

In a time that has become decades old, Groce still believes it is so important to remember the history this played in the sport of baseball.

“We appreciate the Whitecaps for making this event available to recognize the guys who really played the game,” Groce said. “The history is so important for young people to learn so they know the truth of how things were at a different time.”

Of course Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the sport in 1947 when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. This began to start a funnel of talent from the Negro Leagues to Major League Badeball.

While this was good for the sport overall and Robinson is a major public figure in America’s history because of his heroic actions to end racism in baseball, it did slowly diminish the Negro Leagues for good. By 1956, it was just four teams.

Even in a short lived time, it meant so much to the players who participated in these leagues. 

“This is a great (event) to bring back the memories of the old timers,” Walker said. “There were lots of great old ball players from Grand Rapids. I really appreciate Ted Rasberry for bringing them here.”

Today, both Walker and Groce believe it is important to give back to their communities and try to grow the sport. 

Ted Rasberry Field off of Jefferson Avenue is one of the main spaces they continue to try and grow the game, but they are also getting involved in as many other leagues as possible. 

“I really hope to keep seeing this YMCA league grow,” Walker said. “I think it would be a great thing for kids, I want to keep seeing them play.”

Groce and Walker both received a nice ovation from the crowd at LMCU Ballpark before Wednesday’s game against the Lake County Captains, which West Michigan won 10-9.

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