The opening weekend began on Friday, May 19, with a media event featuring appearances by past major league pitching star Jim "Mudcat" Grant and Negro League veterans Joe B. Scott and Buck O'Neil. Each offered entertaining stories and eloquent hopes for the museum.

O’Neil, Scott and Grant (along with the museum) were the stars of the weekend participating in autograph sessions that also included several ex-Indians — Hall-of-Famer Bob Feller, museum director Vern Fuller, Rich Rollins, Kevin Rhomberg and Len Barker — plus Negro Leaguer Ted Toles.

O’Neil, Scott and Grant were featured in pre-game ceremonies at Jacobs Field on Saturday that also included Bob Paige (son of Satchel Paige) and Larry Doby Jr. (son of Larry Doby). The Indians and Pirates wore throwback uniforms (Cleveland Buckeyes and Homestead Grays) and all fans attending the game received a figurine of Doby and Paige. Medical Mutual sponsored the weekend festivities.

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