Volunteer Spotlight
RSVP’s “Living Legend” - Mr. Bill “Ready” Cash
by Erich Robinson
Mr. Bill "Ready" Cash and Erich Robinson
Never in my wildest dreams did I see this coming true, but with the help of our dear family friends, Fredda and Steve Savett, my "dream assignment" of interviewing a Negro League living legend finally came true.
It was after Fredda Savett, RSVP Program Coordinator, contacted Mr. Cash’s daughter, Janet, that the final pieces in this personal odyssey came together. Although Mr. Cash was recuperating in the hospital, a visit would be approved. Fredda and I coordinated our schedules, and on the day of July 30th, we were off to my "dream assignment."
During the course of our conversation, Mr. Cash related many highlights of his life and 16-year playing career. He had played a variety of positions, most notably that of catcher and he was selected to many all-star teams. At the age of 91, his recall was phenomenal. He accurately described the playing conditions of the Negro League teams which were much different than those of their Major League counterparts. He and his teammates traveled hundreds of miles by bus to participate in games. Negro League squads played up to three games a day and rented out stadiums to use on the days Major League squads weren’t playing in them. He recalled the privilege of being able to travel to six different countries, most notably Mexico and Canada.
Mr. Cash would smile as he talked of the exploits of some of the other talented players of the Negro League. He remembered throwing out the talented James "Cool Papa" Bell as he attempted to steal second base. His throwing arm was rumored to be so strong that other players gave him the nickname "The Bullet". He told me about Josh Gibson, a man many referred to as the "Black Babe Ruth" due to his prodigious homerun streak. He confirmed that the legendary pitcher Satchel Paige was so good that he gave each of his pitches a name, like his dreaded "Hesitation Pitch." As a Negro League ballplayer, Mr. Cash provided great entertainment by exposing the world to how the wonderful game of baseball can and should be played.
Mr. Cash has many impressive accomplishments as a Negro League ballplayer; however, as a humanitarian, he felt the same excitement and pure joy when he shared his experiences through volunteering in programs with RSVP. He loved going to schools, as a part of the RSVP Speaker's Bureau, and telling his story to students.
This personal story shared, has not only inspired me to continue the pursuit of my passion and intrigue with the Negro Leagues, but it has made me equally excited to encourage my students to display this same passion in the pursuit of their own dreams and community volunteerism.
Previously featured volunteers:
Terry Mendenhall
Ralph Painter
Sara Lee Langsam