By SHELDON LONGLEY, NG Sports Editor

sheldon@nasguard.com

George Anthony 'Tony' Curry, the country's second major leaguer, is scheduled to be laid to rest Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew's Anglican Church on Shirley Street.

It's been two days since the tragic passing of a beloved and cheerful sportsman, and most of the country is still in shock. Ironically, he was the second former Bahamian major leaguer to pass away in the past two years - the first was his former best friend and Bahamian pioneer Andre Rodgers who was 70.

Sentiments poured in on Monday from all over the country, including the office of the Prime Minister. In a statement that was released late Monday evening, Prime Minister the Hon. Perry G. Christie referred to Curry as one of the truly great Bahamian sports legends.

"He was one of the early pioneers in the integration of Major League Baseball," the statement read. "Tony Curry played in Major League Baseball at a time when there were considerable barriers for black men of talent. He was an athletic and skillful sportsman, and his abilities on and off the field inspired a whole generation of young Bahamians who themselves aspired to make it to the major leagues. He was always a gentleman and his demeanor was such that other young baseball players and athletes of other sports wanted to emulate his style and sportsmanship. He was a true and loyal Bahamian, and his passing has left a void in our nation."

Curry shared a passion for the game of baseball that was comparable to none other. Along with Rodgers, he helped to pave the way for other baseball greats to follow such as: Wenty Ford and Wilfred Culmer (both deceased); Ed Armbrister; Vince Ferguson; and Henry 'Hank' Williams just to name a few. He made his mark in baseball at a time when the colour barrier in baseball in the United States had just been broken by the legendary Jackie Robinson, and when racism was still rampant in that country.

Nevertheless, just like his mentor and friend Rodgers, Curry persevered and was able to make a name for himself in the major leagues. To this day, many Bahamians still do not know that he actually led the major leagues in hitting at one point during his career, when he batted well over .300 for the Philadelphia Phillies. He enjoyed a three-year Major League Baseball career with the Phillies and Cleveland Indians organizations, and retired after the 1966 season. As a Bahamian ambassador playing professional baseball, Curry definitely represented the country very well.

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Housing, the Hon. Neville Wisdom referred to Curry as a man who really loved the game of baseball and gave of himself and his time to the sport he loved.

"On behalf of the entire Bahamian sporting public and on behalf of my family and myself, I would like to give condolences to the family of the late Tony Curry," the minister was quoted as saying on Monday. "Not only was he an outstanding Bahamian athlete, but also a personal friend. He promoted the concept of youth and sports development in the area of baseball, and should be remembered and respected for the efforts that he put forth not only on the international scene, but indeed throughout the country as it relates to youth development. He will surely be missed," added the minister.

Curry's untimely death shocked and saddened not only the sporting public, but the entire Bahamian community. After five years of dialysis treatment for kidney failure, he was re-admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital on October 5 where he remained until his passing. Curry will be sadly missed by Bahamians everywhere.