LEGACY
Biz Mackey's grandnephew, The Reverend Ray C. Mackey, III, innately inherited the role as Chairman and Steward of the Biz Mackey Family Foundation (BMFF) with the passing of the torch from family patriarch Biz's grandson, the former University of Houston Cougar great, NFL ALL-PRO, and Four Times Pro-Bowler Riley Mackey Odoms.
Prior to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Curators Encasement in Cooperstown, NY, Ray proudly wore the once Negro Leagues, Hilldale's club hat, while standing in front of the facemask, catcher's mitt, and holding the chest protector of the legend many revered as the "the dean of teacher's" and the "master of defense" of all catcher's, and indeed one of the greatest to ever dawn the diamond to play the game of baseball.
James Raleigh' Biz' Mackey's legendary career as a player-manager and Global Ambassador to the sport of baseball began in the early twentieth century and the flourishing of Negro Leagues Baseball. Biz's historic & remarkable career spanned the duration of the Negro Leagues and with his astute knowledge of the game and skillful mentorship, he rapidly developed and, over time, led numerous players into Major League Baseball. Several of Biz's Negro Leagues Mentees became stars like Roy Campanella, Monty Irvin, Larry Doby, Leon Day, and Don' Newk' Newcombe, each of whom excelled in the Majors as players, managers all who went on to achieve National Baseball Hall of Fame prominence.
Giant Behind the Plate
Historically, it was long-awaited before the Giant Behind The Plate, and the "King Of Diamonds" who Biz was also commonly referred, for his having played baseball among so many diverse cultures around the world, would received the ultimate enshrinement in Cooperstown joining the greatest to ever play the game. Along the way, Biz's genuine success came through discovering diversity by distinguishing lasting friendships among many Major League greats, and in particular, with Major League Baseball and New York Yankee's great "Joltin Joe" DiMaggio. Although with two vastly different origins yet the same Hall of Fame destinies, the two were considerably among baseball's greatest ambassadors and players of all time, are shown embraced with a handshake in 1946 on the field in Yankee Stadium, joined by an admirable bond of respect, unity, and unending love for the game of baseball.
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Dazzling Hollywood Ending
In a surprised and unexpected move in May 1959 when MLB's L.A. Dodgers honored Biz's former teammate and mentee Roy 'Campy' Campanella during Campanella Night before a record crowd of 93,103 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. It was apparent it was too late as a player and too soon as a manager for Biz in Major League Baseball. However, it proved to be an unforgettable "life inning" as 'Campy' would honor Biz on field by bestowing his career achievements and success in Major League Baseball. With the magnitude of the Coliseum crowd erupting in roars and ovations, it made for a yet-to-come and-to-dazzle "Hollywood Ending."
Batter-up! Get On-Deck! Starting ‘Opening Day’ 2023 we’re back in the game to win, celebrate, and honor, a “Season of Legends” in commemoration of “Major League” aka; Negro Leagues Baseball post Centennial Anniversary. Whether it’s between Innings, or before or after your favorite teams game, plan to catch and own a piece of your favorite legend Biz Mackey’s baseball cards, interactive learning, and educational games via our legacy partner at STRAT-O-MATIC.COM or you can watch for and then score Biz’s video game debut on the all-new MLB The Show 23 Video Game available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. So, “Get Game, Catch The Legacy.”
