ESPN Good Sports Award

Cox Communications in Florida wanted to take a large and bold step to enrich understanding of diversity among employees and in the community. The goal of Cox leadership was to create a program that would capture hearts as well as stimulate minds; to tell a story that would demonstrate the pain that can result from exclusion, the riches to mine from diversity and the triumph of the human spirit. Cox did this by bringing “living history” to Gainesville, Fla., in the form of nine former Negro Baseball League players who spent two days sharing their stories with Cox employees, community leaders and children of all ages.

In those memorable hours, Cox provided the forums for the Negro League veterans to deliver a more authentic idea of the individual and social costs that result from a society that does not allow some of its members full participation. Multiple activities were held, allowing Cox to reach as many audiences as possible. More than 250 Cox employees attended a breakfast, hearing the players share their stories of triumph, aspiration and hope. Cox leadership received over 40 employee e-mails expressing their gratitude and the impact the breakfast had on them personally.

One employee wrote, “In the 17 years that I have been here, this was the most touching, wonderful, meaningful event that we've had, and yes, we should have more.” Another employee told Cox, “That was one of the most inspiring groups of people I ever had the good fortune to meet.” A third said simply, “I'm signing my 7-year-old up for baseball.”

Later, a luncheon was held with more than 300 community leaders in attendance. Again, the players entranced the audience. One person said afterwards, “We have never seen anything like this before. This was a very powerful event. Great job, Cox.” Another attendee wrote, “Thank you again for the opportunity to witness such an experience in my lifetime.”

Players also visited with local schoolchildren and Boys & Girls Club members and threw out the first pitch at a University of Florida/Bethune-Cookman SEC baseball game. Cox and the community came to realize that the history of the Negro League is one that resonates with everyone: a story of people who used their individual fortitude, intellect and athletic talents to surmount challenges. Cox created the program to honor these men and to inspire all those who heard their stories. In one of the most arresting moments from these memorable two days, a player answered a question about what he thought of Gainesville. He paused before replying, “Last time I was here, I was cheered while I was playing but I had to leave the city to eat in a restaurant. I like Gainesville a lot better today.”

And, finally, these two days left a mark upon the players themselves. Harold “Buster” O. Hair, who played from 1953 to 1959, called after the event had ended to tell Cox representatives, “I was depressed for quite some time due to my wife passing away. This program has helped to lift me out of that. I have done this since 1995 in some fashion. This event is the best of its kind that I have seen. Thank you. You have been a godsend. Cox must be a great company to allow you to put on such an event.”