Lyman Bostock

I met Lyman Bostock in the summer of 1990 on a four week tour of the east and south, introducing myself and the fledgling organization the Negro Leagues Baseball Player's Association that I co-founded. Lyman was a batting champion and first baseman with the Birmingham Black Barons and Chicago American Giants.

I met Lyman and his family on my drive to Birmingham, Alabama. As a surprise, I got a ticket for Lyman's best friend from Chicago, Lester Lockett, his teammate who he hadn't seen for decades. Upon arriving, Lyman had his BBQ working all day, cooking baby back ribs that were so delicious.

Lyman was the father of Lyman Bostock Jr., one the first free agents in MLB history. Jr. was on his way to a great career as a lifetime .311 hitter, when he was mistakenly shot and killed while sitting in a car in Gary, Indiana.

Lyman Sr. was a very religious man. He would walk into a room and his large size and elegance preceded him. A born leader who was respected because of his common sense and philosophies.

Lester and I stayed with Lyman and his wife Minnie for a couple of wonderful days. Lyman took Lester and I, and another Birmingham great who came to visit us, Piper Davis, to Rickwood field and other Negro League destinations in the Birmingham area.

As an artist Lyman carved special bats for me that I cherish to this day. Lyman was quite a man and quite a ballplayer.