Chattanooga Lookouts logo

The Chattanooga Lookouts will pay tribute to Negro League history in their series opener Saturday night against the Huntsville Stars.

Both teams will wear retro Negro League jerseys during the game at AT&T Field, and there will be a pregame ceremony at 6:45 featuring former players Carl Long and Clifford Layton. Long was a Birmingham Black Barons outfielder in 1952 and 1953 and was a Negro American League All-Star in 1953, and Layton was a New York Black Yankees pitcher in 1954.

Long played with Willie Mays, Ernie Banks and Frank Robinson during his career, while Layton played with Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson.

"The Lookouts feel this is an opportunity to educate our youth and pay tribute to some living history," Lookouts general manager Rich Mozingo said Thursday. "This is also an opportunity to pay it forward. These men aren't recognized as former major league players, so this is an opportunity to give them the recognition they deserve."

Each game program Saturday will contain an insert explaining Negro League history as well as Chattanooga's Negro League history. Long and Layton will be available for autographs during the game, and there will be some Negro League merchandise available in the Lookouts gift shop.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.