A stone for the Skipper

(Photo from Old Timers Baseball Club collection, Amistad Research Center, Tulane University)

It’s happening! Local NOLA black baseball great Wesley Barrow (above, in his playing days) is getting a grave marker!

When Rodney Page, the son of legendary Big Easy African-American promoter-owner Allen Page, read my post about the Skipper being buried in an unmarked grave, Rodney e-mailed me and told me he’d be glad to pay for a stone for the spot, which is pictured below.

Rodney and Gretna City Councilman Milton Crosby, who’s in charge of rehabbing the New Hope Baptist Cemetery (and so far doing a fantastic job) where Barrow is buried, are in the process of connecting about getting the details done.

I’d love to see a stone in place and a dedication ceremony set by Christmas because the Skip died on Christmas Eve, 1965, but a lot has to be done and taken care of between now and then for that to happen, so I’m not sure when it can all take place.

Everyone who knew Wesley Barrow and whose lives were touched by his wisdom, dedication and kindness would be welcome to attend a dedication ceremony. Also, any such people who are reading this, you are invited to post comments or testimonials about the Skipper, or to e-mail them to me.