By Scott McInnerney
WNSP Reporter
MOBILE, AL – A series of collages dedicated to Mobile sports history was unveiled at Mobile’s Government Plaza Friday.
Former MLB outfielder Cleon Jones hosted the ceremony. The Mobile native is a member of the 1969 “Miracle Mets” who won the World Series.
Jones caught the final out of their championship series against the Baltimore Orioles.
“What we’ve done is we’ve put together some items that speak to the history that we’re trying to get out,” Jones said. “This history is not just about adults.
“We need to send this message to our young folks. Our young folks see these collages, and they’ll understand that these people come from Mobile. If he can do it, so can I.”
The collages highlight athletes from Mobile who made a lasting impact on their sport and deserve recognition they may not have already. Mayor Sandy Stimpson is collaborating with Jones to showcase Mobile’s history with the community.
“Being able to meet and know what Cleon Jones is trying to do for our community is an example of so many that have something in their heart that they’re trying to give back,” Stimpson said. “To the degree that I can be a small part of that, or even a bigger one, that’s what I want to do, because I want to lead the community we want to be.”
Athletes such as Hank and Tommie Aaron are featured in the collages, as well as upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Robert Brazile. All of the athletes honored in the collages are members of the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame.
“The history will never run out of individuals,” Mobile Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Joe Gottfried said. “We’ve got a list of 50 that still needs to be in that hall of fame some time. That’s what we want to do, bring more pride to our community, and we’ve got the leadership and the mayor. And when you’ve got people like Cleon, we’re really excited to part of this.”
Jones will join Randy and Creg on Sports Drive Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. on Friday to talk more about the project.
