Currently enjoying his second stint as president, Bailey joined the League in 1977 – almost 100 years after its founding. And it’s a testimony to the current president’s unwavering commitment to uphold and preserve the proud legacy of the League that he unhesitatingly shared with me the League’s history dating back to the founding members.
An off-break bowler and useful middle order batsman, Bailey began his New York playing career with the Bank League of which he was a founding member, before going on to found the Lucas Cricket Club in 1977 with Armstrong and Reeves. Through his untiring efforts, Lucas CC acquired its own clubhouse in 1981 (located at 1012 Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn). The Lucas clubhouse serves as headquarters of the Metropolitan League, and the Umpires’ Training School is also housed there.
When Bailey joined the Metropolitan League, one of the challenges facing the League was the need to modernize it – to expand on the vision of the founding members. To that end, the latter part of the 20th century saw the League grow from strength to strength under the dynamic leadership of Presidents Derrick Scott, Clement “Busta” Lawrence and Clifford Hinds. During the 80s and 90s, the Metropolitan League distinguished itself by winning the NYCR seven-team Interleague competition seven times – in 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1999 – an unprecedented accomplishment.
Among numerous initiatives that Bailey has been a part of is the sense of pride and professionalism that he brought to the Metropolitan League’s annual presentation ceremony. Having worked in the business sector, Bailey understands the importance of a professional image; and the need to co-opt local politicians in service to the game. Bailey felt that the League’s annual presentation should be a window through which Americans could see and experience the gentleman’s game. He wanted to show the New York community that cricketers, fans and players, were first and foremost gentlemen/women committed to family and community values; that among them are career professionals participating at the highest levels of the American dream.
Into his second stint as president, Bailey believes that it is imperative that the League aligns itself with the sophisticated and innovative demands of the 21st century – and to be able to do this the League must be on firm financial footing. He challenges the member clubs to align their thinking, and their actions, with this vision for the future. Through his efforts, the League’s constitution was amended to bring onto the Executive Board two additional positions – a PR officer and a Marketing officer. The introduction of full competition, colored-clothing cricket in 2006 is another of President Bailey’s initiatives in keeping with the modern game.
In recognition of his unstinting efforts in service to the game; the NYCR; and the Metropolitan League, President Bailey was inducted into the USA Cricket Hall of Fame in 2008 where he was introduced by another stalwart of the NYCR, and fellow Hall of Fame inductee, Roy Sweeney. In his acceptance speech, Bailey said, “Our hearts are in the right place…[and] We are all united in our cause towards cricket in the U.S.”
As Metropolitan League President, Bailey also sits on the Board of the NYCR. More than ever before, Bailey firmly believes that there is a “a future for cricket…but we need more cohesion. You need to do the right thing; be honest; be transparent – we need this in the Region”, he told me.
The full Executive Board of the Metropolitan Cricket League in 2010:
- Mascelles Bailey – President
- Carl Patrick – Vice President
- Dr. Sham Ali – Corresponding Secretary
- Venelda Wallace – Recording Secretary
- Trevor Walfall – Treasurer
- Dr. Linden Dodson – Public Relations Officer
- Cliff Roye – Marketing Officer
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* Picture courtesy Cricket Hall of Fame