Knee-high socks, wooden bats and wool jerseys: All of which were staples of the Negro Leagues, and all of which were present at the third annual Morris League Honorary Negro League Game on Sunday at McAuliffe field.

Roughly 150 fans braved the less-than-optimal baseball weather to support the league, which was created by two Sacramento State brothers – Dominic and Donte Morris.

The event has been held every year since the league’s inception not only to honor the Negro Leagues, but also in conjunction with Black History month.

Three former players with ties to professional baseball attended the game, something the league tries to accomplish every year.

Negro Leaguers Elmer Carter and Don Porter and former Major Leaguer Jethro McIntyre all made an appearance at the tribute game. All three of the former players have ties to the Sacramento area.

Donte Morris said having Carter, the oldest living former Negro Leaguer, out to watch the game was an honor.

“It just put the game in perspective,” Donte Morris said. “We’re not only playing to honor someone, but a guy we’re honoring was actually watching us play from a whole different generation. It’s a blessing.”

Dominic Morris said the tribute is something that does not happen every day.

“For our league to have a day where we can throw on retro uniforms &- it’s an historic day,” Dominic Morris said. “I feel humbled being here, throwing on these uniforms and to actually see the former Negro League players here at our game is quite a feeling.”

McIntyre said people have a misconception about the Negro Leagues.

“A lot of people want to say that, “Well, it’s a shame,'” McIntyre said. “No, it’s not. It’s not a shame. It’s just the way the country was at that time.

That was the mindset. What makes white America think that we didn’t play against the best? You had the Josh Gibsons, (Satchel) Paiges … those guys could play.”

The Negro League was started in 1920 behind Andrew “Rube” Foster’s leadership. Porter likened that to the way the Morris brothers started their league.

“They tried out for the team at Sac State and they didn’t make the team, but they didn’t get dejected,” Porter said. “They decided to start a league of their own. I always think, “Negro Leagues.’ This is what these kids did. It’s just a little parallel.”

Paul Morris, Dominic and Donte’s father, said the day is a good way to educate people.

“It means that they take baseball more seriously than other people because they did research on the Negro Leagues,” Paul Morris said. “It’s almost a forgotten league. It started years and years ago and they took the time to do the Honorary Negro League (Game) every year.”

McIntyre said the Morris League goes about telling the story of the Negro Leagues in the right way, as opposed to the way the Major League Baseball and some media outlets portray the league.

“Don’t belittle these guys’ accomplishments,” he said. “They don’t really know what these guys put up with just to play baseball.”

Paul Morris said he is proud of what his sons have accomplished.

“Words can’t hardly describe how I feel,” Paul Morris said. “Just to see the positive impact and support we’re getting from the people &- I love every minute of it.”

Sherri Morris, the twins’ mother, said her sons took the time to find old Negro League players.

“They found players that played in the Negro Leagues,” Sherri Morris said. “That makes it better. Not just playing the game, but they actually found Negro Leaguers that represent this honor.”

McIntyre said players in the Negro Leagues had to deal a lot just to be able to play baseball.

“To put up with that and still continue to play at a high-level of ball … that’s amazing,” McIntyre said. “Why would they still want to play? What would give them the incentive to play, other than they love the game? It’s a great game. It’s the greatest game that’s ever been put on this planet.”

Donte Morris said he was pleased with the attendance for the event.

“For a cold, drizzling day, I’m liking the turnout,” Donte Morris said. “I see people out there with umbrellas and cold coats together; they show lots of support. I’m very thankful to have all the people who came out.”

The Larks defeated the Sea Lions 9-7.

Donte Morris equated this day for he and his brother’s league to the Super Bowl.

“During the context of Black History Month, this is our biggest day,” Donte Morris said. “Major League Baseball honors the Negro Leagues with Jackie Robinson Day. Compared to our league, this is like our Super Bowl. This is where the community can come out with one common purpose. This is a real goal with us getting Negro League players out there today … that’s a real goal for us.”

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected].