We went over to Newer from Elizabeth to meet Ephra Manley.

I will never forget as long as I leave.

This beautiful lady came down this flight of stairs to her basement where she had her office.

In this pink Negalje outfit. I will never forget that for Manny and she was an outstanding,

beautiful woman. Former Newark Eagles pitcher and 1956 National League MVP, Don Newcomb.

And she said, Don, do you want to play baseball? I said, yes, Mr. Manet, I'd love to play it if I can get a

chance. She said, I'll tell you what I do. I'll give you $175 a month and I'll take you to training camp.

I had never known that I could ever make $175 playing baseball.

She gave me a contract on $15 a month.

But I didn't know they knew anything about me.

Mrs. Manning knew about me, but I didn't know they knew anything about me. Mrs. Manley knew about me,

but I didn't know she knew about me. Hearing Don Newcomb relate that incredible story of meeting

Effie Manley reminds me of several years ago when we pulled together a team of professional

artist to create original works of art inspired by the

Negro Leagues for a groundbreaking exhibition that we call Shades of Greatness. And one of the

female artists was so enamored by this story and was so moved and inspired by this story, she took that story and put it on

canvas. And it's a beautiful painting. And in the painting, you can see a young Don Newcomb

sitting at the table looking up at a spiral staircase as Effam Manly is standing at the top of the spiral staircase. And she's wearing a beautiful

red evening gown. And the artist aptly entitled the piece, signing bonus. And it was absolutely

perfect. And it is touring today as part of an epic art exhibition called Shades of Greatness.

You can't make this stuff up.

It's just too good.

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