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Al Haraway

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Albert Haraway, born August 8th, 1885 in Hartman, AR,1 was the president of Helena Seaporters from 1939-1948 and the president of the Cotton States League from 1949-1953.

Biography

Haraway was a central figure the in controversial attempt of the Hot Springs Bathers to integrate the Cotton States League in 1953. As president of the league, Haraway adamantly opposed integration, fearing that it would fracture the stability of the league and potentially force it to dissolve.2 Ultimately, his position was successful as long as he was president, and consequently the league did not integrate until after he retired as President following the 1953 season.

Haraway died on December 10th, 1962 in Helena, AR.3

Excerpts

"Albert Haraway, the last president of the Cotton States League, died at Helena (Ark.) Hospital, December 10. He was 77. Haraway was elected president of the Class C league in 1949, shortly after it was reorganized following suspension during World War II, and held the post until the circuit disbanded after the 1953 season.4 He also was president of the Helena Seaporters, a member of the league. He was president of the Helena Terminal, which handles Mississippi River barge traffic, and had extensive farming interests near Helena. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Emma McCoy Haraway; a daughter, Miss Ann Haraway; a son, Albert Haraway J.r., two sisters and two grandchildren."5
1 Haraway's WWII Draft Card.
2 Bathers Baseball, by Don Duren.
3 The Sporting News, 12/22/1962, p.30
4 The obituary is mistaken here. The Cotton States League operated through 1955.
5 The Sporting News, 12/22/1962, p.30