Grand Rapids Woman Is Last Living Negro Leagues Team Owner

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A woman from Grand Rapids is the last living owner of a Negro Leagues baseball team.

According to WXMI-TV, Minnie Forbes joined the Negro Leagues in her mid-20s when her uncle purchased two teams and the rules only allowed him to own one. Forbes became owner of the Detroit Stars in 1956 for two years.

The Negro Leagues was founded in 1920 as a way to give African American players a chance to play professional baseball during segregation. Forbes says she is proud to be an important part of American baseball history.

In 2013, she was invited to the White House along with other members of the Negro Leagues to be honored by then-President Barack Obama.