Senators honor baseball legend, Civil Rights advocate, and Indiana’s first “Mr. Basketball” George Crowe – WBIW

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Braun, Senator Todd Young, Senator Sherrod Brown, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Senator Ed Markey unveiled a resolution Wednesday in honor of Major League Baseball legend and civil rights attorney George Crowe, who is also Indiana’s first “Mr. Basketball.”

George Crowe

George Crowe was born in Whiteland, Indiana and did excellent on the basketball court, leading to his appointment as the first “Mr. Basketball. ”After graduating from what is now the University of Indianapolis, Crowe joined the army to serve his country during World War II.

In 1946, Crowe, then a prominent citizen in the city of Franklin, Indiana, refused to leave his seat in a separate movie theater because of his academic, athletic, and military achievements. The theater was fully integrated a week later.

George Crowe

Crowe later began playing baseball for the New York Black Yankees and later played professional baseball for the Boston Braves, the Cincinnati Redlegs and the St. Louis Cardinals after the MLB integration.

The co-sponsoring senators of this resolution are all from states where George Crowe played at some point in his career.

Sen. Mike Braun

Indiana is proud of its native son, George Crowe, who was not only Indiana’s first Mr. Basketball and a legend on the major league baseball diamond, but also an off-field civil rights advocate celebrating his 100th anniversary should be childbirth, “said Senator Mike Braun.

Senator Todd Young

“More Hoosiers should know the name of George Crowe. His athletic achievements were only a small part of his extraordinary life. He was an American hero and deserves that recognition, ”said Senator Todd Young.

Senator Sherrod Brown

“George Crowe was a remarkable athlete, but what we remember most is his commitment to civil rights and justice, which has helped change our nation for the better. Ohio is proud to honor Mr. Crowe’s legacy and the work he has done to fight for justice and fairness for all, ”said Senator Sherrod Brown.