Area residents are invited to an event to honor the legacy of a Negro League superstar who grew up in the KMMO listening area.

The John Donaldson Baseball Field and life-sized statue are scheduled to be formally dedicated on Friday, September 4, in Glasgow.

Glasgow Schools’ Superintendent Sonya Fuemmeler says it’s an exciting time.

Donaldson was born in Glasgow on February 20, 1891. He attended Evans school- a segregated black school, where he led his school team to a number of championships. After attending George R. Smith College in Sedalia for a short time, he began to pursue his baseball career and went on to play for a number of mixed-race and all-black semi-pro teams, including the Kansas City Monarchs. Donaldson died on April 14, 1970, and was buried in Chicago’s Burr Oak Cemetery in an unmarked grave. In 2004, with contributions coming from around the country, a marker was placed at Donaldson’s grave.

Fuemmeler said there are a number of dignitaries lined up to speak during the ceremony that is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Fuemmeler said the district has reached out to former Kansas City Royals’ great Frank White to speak during the event, but he hadn’t confirmed as of Wednesday morning that he will be in attendance. However, she noted there is still time and is hopeful he will be there.

Fuemmeler says numerous people and organizations volunteered and helped with the project.

There are no restrictions as far as the number of fans who will be allowed to attend, according to Fuemmeler.

The dedication ceremony will be followed by the unveiling of the statue of Donaldson at 5 p.m. A softball and baseball doubleheader versus Higbee will follow that, with the softball game beginning at 6 p.m.

For more information about the event, contact Fuemmeler at (660) 338-2012.