The Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame was well represented at The Suffolk Theater during a meaningful recognition of Black History Month. Through a panel discussion about the Negro Leagues and baseball history, the Town of Riverhead Anti-Bias Task Force organized a passionate group to lend their perspectives.

Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame President Chris R. Vaccaro and Suffolk Sports Hall of Famer Gary Brown participated on the panel. They were joined by Mets legend Doc Gooden and baseball historian Fabio Montella, among others.

Montella previously helped the Hall erect one of its historical markers at the location where Satchel Paige pitched in Riverhead in 1950 and was instrumental in inducting Sammy Bunn into the Hall. Bunn is the first Long Islander to break the color barrier in the local men’s baseball leagues.

Gary Lee Brown (l.) and Chris R. Vaccaro.