Bob Motley

Bob Motley was the last surviving umpire from the Negro Baseball Leagues. It was while a combat Marine in World War II that Motley found his life’s passion, umpiring. In addition to his time in the Negro Leagues, he umpired in the Pacific Coast League and the College World Series, and also officiated semi-pro and college basketball and football games. A founding board member of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the facility now boasts a life-size statue of Motley at home plate on its historic Field of Legends baseball diamond. Motley was also the recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for his military service. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 94.