Prince Joe Henry Honored by Grandson with Compilation of the Ex Negro Leaguers Life, Writings, and History

Joe Henry, known as Clown Prince Joe on the baseball diamond, played in the Negro Leagues throughout the 1950s, most notably for the Memphis Red Sox and the Indianapolis Clowns—baseball’s equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters.

From 2005 to 2007, the opinionated Prince Joe was a regular contributor to Riverfront Times, penning an advice column titled, “Ask a Negro Leaguer.” Prince Joe was an intelligent athlete who provided wisdom and council on a variety of issues. This past June Henry was again recognized when the St. Louis Cardinals ceremoniously drafted him as part of an MLB effort to honor players of this vanishing era of baseball.

Always a fighter, Prince Joe fought to earn a pension from Major League Baseball. Prince Joe finally won his battle in November 2008 when MLB agreed to pay the impoverished former ballplayer an $833-a-month pension. Prince Joe passed in January of this year, but not before his grandson, Sean Muhammad, completed a compilation of Prince’s memoirs and some of the articles from the Riverfront Times. Here he talks with Toure Muhammad of Bean Soup Times

What inspired you to compile this book of about your grandfather?

Well, the book is entitled, “Princoirs: Official Memoirs of Prince Joe Henry, Ex Negro Leaguer”.  My grandfather was known as “Prince Joe Henry” (or Clown Prince Joe), because of his wit and uncanny ability to play baseball and entertain the crowd. He is known as Negro League baseball's “ultimate showman” and “greatest, most prolific entertainer”.

The word Princoirs (pronounced “prince + wars”) is a play on words. I took the word “prince” and combined it w/the word “memoirs”, hence the title. Phonetically, the title gives readers somewhat of an epic description describing the greatness of and/or how a “prince” (or a “king”) WAS during his reign or heyday.

I was raised by my grandfather and as a young boy, I often observed him writing all types of literature. He was fascinated by words and the use of the English language. Naturally, I took a liking to that, and wanted to be a writer just like him. He started writing his autobiography as an ex-Negro Leaguers in the 50s, 60s and 70s - much of it was LONG before I was even born.

When I attended the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March in 2005 and (again) heard the Divine words coming from The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, I took the oath and accepted the challenge to affect change in my respective community (in the field of Arts & Culture). 

At the time, my grandfather and I had begun writing a weekly column called “Ask A Negro Leaguer” for The Riverfront Times, one of St. Louis’ most noteworthy newspapers.

Upon my return to St. Louis from D.C. that year in October, a good friend of mine - who read our articles on a regular basis - said to me, “You guys have a wonderful history, and you are sitting on a gold mine. You should share your story w/the world by putting it in book format.”

I felt as though I had entered the dimension of The Twilight Zone, because while in D.C., this was the thought that came to me - that I should finish what my grandfather began (his autobiography) to share his life story with the whole world and to preserve his legacy. When my friend told me those words, I KNEW then this was my calling and something that I was chosen to do. In other words, this idea seemed to have chosen me, rather than me choosing it and/or to write a book, because I NEVER envisioned me really doing anything of the sort.

You really put your dreams and career in the music industry on hold to put this book together. Why?

Well, I pray that I can one day be a good student. With that, I've learned that listening to the inner self; one can become better connected to or with God. When the “call” came for me to do this project, as I've stated earlier, I knew I didn't have a choice. Not because I felt forced per se to do so, but more so because I thought it would be an honor to take on such a project. I thought who better to complete a task or project such as this than me, the person who walked w/and was raised by such an extraordinary individual. There were MANY times I wanted to completely quit the project b/c at times it became extremely difficult to complete. I didn't have a budget and ultimately it took me three years to complete it.

Being a strong presence in the Hip~Hop world as an artist/producer has ALWAYS been a dream of mine since around the time I left high school in the early 90s. However, for some reason, I felt this particular project was more important and it needed my attention more than anything. I felt that I would always have enough time to return to my dream of reaching our people through rap music, once I had completed this project.

Furthermore, I spent approximately eight years away from my grandfather, when I attend college as an athlete, undergraduate journalist and later on as a graduate student of Interdisciplinary Studies. So, I really felt that it was time for me to “give back” or at least express a token of appreciation to my grandfather. I began to develop a very profound liking of words and etymology and a more professional, canny and crafty way of writing. I see it as a gift from God from The Heavens to my fingertips. To be sure, I think this time of putting one of the crafts I love most (music) on hold has allowed me to develop into a more well-rounded individual. Now, I can better express myself.

How important is the history of the Negro League to young people.

History itself is highly important to us all, for it is the instrument that's best qualified to reward its researcher(s). However, to know these great men and women who paved the way for many of the professional athletes today to enjoy the monetary value and luxuries of what America has to offer is HIGHLY important. This history connects us directly to the greatness of people, who had to suffer through Jim Crow Laws, etc. all the while trying to earn a living and entertain oppressors and those who expressed a genuine hatred for Black people.

One of the things that William C. Rhoden points out in his brilliant piece, ”Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete” is that Black athletes today are NOT connected to the great history of their ancestry. He forces us to see the reality of the existence of a system akin to chattel slavery, whereas Black athletes are isolated from their backgrounds and used to maximize profit. They instilled with a mindset whereby money does not necessarily alter one's status as 'slave,' as long as the 'owner' is the one who controls the rules that allow that money to be made.

Those who do NOT have the best interests of the Black community at heart would rather see it continue this way; they know that when people are connected to their personal history, understand and know the greatness of their respective heritage, they are a lot less likely to be used as tools and fools, they are a lot less likely to repeat mistakes of the past and they are well-educated enough to the point they are not duped into foolish acts, etc. as we've witnessed w/some of our most talented athletes perpetrating as criminals.

How has project enhanced your relationship and understanding of your grandfather?

I am so thankful to Allah that my grandfather was able to witness the completion of the project and saw in come into fruition last summer, before his passing in early January of this year. He did not even know that I was compiling his story, until the project was about 90% completed. He was so elated to see this being done, and he was able to enjoy several months of its success before he returned to The Essence. I've heard people say that you don't know someone until they are actually (physically) gone, and I've personally grown to know that to be true. 

In many ways, I feel like I have become a vessel or somewhat like a portal carrying his spirit. I have begun a very strong campaign to preserve his legacy by traveling to various cities, schools and universities, etc. telling people about his story and my experiences with him. I have also decided to create an official clothing apparel line bearing his official signature. His signature Clown Prince Joe batting pose will be used as the official logo of the clothing line 

It is very amazing to see the elation of the faces of the many different nationalities of people that may have heard his story in their studies of Negro League history. If anything, I think this project allowed me to get closer to my grandfather and even learn to appreciate him more for the sacrifices, etc. he made for me. Upon learning that I was in the final stages of compiling a book on the story of his life, he told me these words that I remember so well: ”All the while I was talking to you about the Negro Leagues when you were a little boy, I didn't even think you were listening.”

You talk about the battle to get your grandfather a pension from MLB. What were some of the challenges and how did it turn out?

Well, initially we applied to Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2004 I think, and his application was denied. I know, because I was the one that went through the tedious task of completing the nearly 15-page application to obtain his pension. According to the representatives of Baseball Assistance Team (BAT), a group of former Major League Baseball players responsible for obtaining the funding for pension, his “income exceeded his expenses”, which was a ludicrous claim. 

In 2007, I decided to - unbeknownst to Mr. Henry - reapply for his pension and after several months of uncovering proof of his tenure in the league (yeah, imagine that...we had to somehow PROVE he played in the Negro Leagues) and after arguing back and forth w/BAT reps, we were finally successful in getting them to accept our findings authenticating 4 consecutive years Mr. Henry played in the league. However, there were/are still about 3 or 4 years in question the agency simply refused to accept and refused to acknowledge, because - according to them - those years represented a time when either Negro League baseball had all but dissipated or was too irrelevant to mention.

Your grandfather is a local legend. What has been the biggest lesson he has taught you?

To be able to THINK for myself and ALWAYS use my brain. He would say this was the one thing or gift that God gave us all that nobody could take away from us. If used properly, we could accomplish whatever we willed. He also taught me the importance of family and to be independent as a man. He was a very humble and wise man. He didn't go to church, but he was full of spirituality that is often difficult to find in even some of the most sacred houses of worship and I think a great deal of that was due to the fact that he was truly genuine - a man of his word that treated people fairly regardless of race, color, creed or what have you.

How as MLB received your grandfather's book.

LOL!!! I could not answer that. You would have to ask them. However, I do feel that we - in our efforts to connect with MLB through The St. Louis Cardinals' franchise - got snubbed this past summer. We made SEVERAL attempts to reach out to several of The Cards' marketing and promotions directors, including Mr. Ted Savage, who knew Mr. Henry well and has a ballpark named after him in Mr. Henry's hometown of Lovejoy, IL, but to no avail. 

We had a marketing idea we wanted to pitch to them regarding creating an exclusive special Cardinals edition of Princoirs, since The Cards ceremoniously drafted him in 2008 during MLB's Amateur Draft in Orlando, FL. We also wanted to share our idea of official and authentic Negro League merchandise and apparel bearing the iconic legend's name, etc. We thought it would be a very good idea seeing that he was (now) considered to be a part of The Cards' extended family (if you will) and that he is/was a native son to the St. Louis metropolitan area.

After being contacted by one of The Cards' reps to participate in the African-American Heritage Day, we made attempts to accept the invitation, but NEVER got a response. Even our attempts to be a part of the MLB All-Star weekend were met with neglect not only by The Cards' organization but also by the central branch of the St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) system, who sponsored bringing in a so-called “expert” and exhibit on the Negro Leagues, as a part of all-star weekend. This is very ironic, because we have approximately 10 books in circulation in the SLPL. It was also very disheartening, so much so that a local reporter noticed our obvious absence during these great festivities.

After speaking w/several representatives, who directed us to go through the proper channels and contact the appropriate people, We NEVER got a response from anyone in The Cards' organization. We made several calls, and several people voiced their concerns and dismay w/The Cards for this. In my opinion, I thought it was a very heartless, cowardice act of neglect coming from that great organization.

What are some of the other legends in Black baseball that your grandfather played with or crossed paths with?
He talked about Satchel Paige, Goose Tatum, Buck O'Neal, Josh Gibson, James “Cool Papa” Bell often. Those are the most noteworthy that come to mind off the bat, but there was a plethora of greats he would school in which he would school me on a daily basis about. He often told countless humorous stories about his experiences throughout his travels.

One such story dealt with a catcher named “Spec Bebop”, who would be referred to today by the “politically correct” term as a “little person”, but of course The Prince didn't call him that. Inasmuch as he was a humble giant, he was as raw and as brash as they come, in terms of expressing the truth and his feelings. You may recall Mr. Henry using the phrase “A Big Niggah Pitchin’ And A Li’l Niggah Catchin’” in the early chapters of Princoirs; this was the original title of his autobiography, most of which contained the re-telling of these such stories. 

Upon his passing, Mr. Henry left a plethora of writings and authentic priceless memorabilia. If it is Allah's Will and only by His permission, in a couple of years or so (and based on how the public receives will release a volume two of Princoirs, which will consist of more of these stories, original writings and rarely-seen photos—literally hundreds of them.

Besides himself, who does your grandfather say is the best baseball player ever in the Negro League?

Probably Satchel Paige, who is rumored to have pitched double-headers on a regular basis and who played baseball until he was 50 years old. Some say he could've been older. My grandfather said that Barry Bonds was the baddest hitter to ever pick up the lumber, though!!!

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Princoirs: Official Memoirs of Prince Joe Henry, Ex Negro Leaguer
ISBN: 0-615-22737-6
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PK Publishing
c/o Sean R. Muhammad
P.O. Box 140164
St. Louis, MO 63114
314.518.2897
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