At 576 Bay Street on the corner of Bay and Sherman stands a historical 1887 structure originally built as Tapley Elementary school and later (1993) developed into an affordable apartment complex.
As is often the case, the school years were full of grand educational history and were fully embraced by neighborhood children and their families during and after school hours!
At some point in the late 60’s, two full basketball courts were added for community use. At that time, a court and a ball were the cheapest sport to fund in and about America’s inner cities. Thus, it became the beloved pastime for most African American males.
The men attached to this school and this court have banded together through a number of generations with successful play, tremendous player development and a special bond of coaches, players, families, friends and fans. Although there has been much interaction through the years after basketball, 2024 was the first formal celebration reunion.
Reunion celebrations are not only gauged by who shows up and the great time had by all who participate but, in some cases, one can recognize their importance by those who regrettably express that they are unable to attend! Below is a sampling of responses received from some of these black men about many memorable experiences that greatly impacted their lives and show the love and thanks of times past.
From Coach Ralph Tucker:
“To my Tapley Family, I wish I could be with you this weekend because I miss all of you. I miss the fact that we were friends who really cared and loved one another. Our parents taught us right from wrong; we had values. Together we were more than the sum of our parts: we were more than basketball players; we were a community that cared for one another. Those are the things I am most proud of. We loved each other and still do. Keep up the good work my family.
Love, Ralph Tucker.”
Coach Tucker led the team in the late 60’s and early 70’s. His teams were quite successful, wining 3 heralded Harambee Championships. His teams inspired young players like Tim Moore (Nugget) who wrote:
“I went to Tapley to play basketball, but the bigger and older guys were playing, so I watched and listened. I learned that there was more going on than just playing ball. I noticed each guy with his own skills and personalities. I spent many days and nights watching and learning how to win and lose with respect and sportsmanship. Moreover, I witnessed them grow together and develop TRUE FRIENDSHIP and establish themselves as part of the Hill McKnight Community Foundation forming the nucleus I called the Tapley Basketball Brotherhood. Ironically, Tapley’s redevelopment into housing is credited to Cornell Lewis, who, at the time, was the Director of Mason Square Development Inc. Cornell was a super star for Tapley and Classical High School.”
Player Andy Crump who went on to star at the High School of Commerce wrote:
“Oops, Upside The Head” say “Oops, Upside The Head”… “This Was Our Anthem Before Every Practice And Before Every Game. . .
“Good Evening Brothers and Sisters. Welcome to “TAPLEY.” This monumental celebration is one that signifies family, friendship, confidence, integrity, and pride. For me, Tapley life was the way I, and some of my peers, lived. From my junior high school days, up until I went off to college, we would be at Tapley. I can’t thank the “Tapley Family” enough for all that was instilled in me as a young Black teenager. I’ll never forget the day that I was initiated from playing basketball with my peers, to playing in the Black Harambee Basketball Tournament with Tapley’s best players. What was even more meaningful was that the team voted, and allowed me to play in the starting lineup. Of course, Tapley did what it always does…We won the championship. I’ll forever be grateful for the Brotherhood of Tapley. I’ll forever be Tapley!
Much Love to All! Andy Crump”
These and many more were the type of letters sent to the “We Are Tapley” committee expressing regrets from those unable to attend and asking to be counted in for next year and promising their support.
The celebration, which was held at the Cedar’s on Island Pond Road, was coordinated by committee members Eddie Anderson and John Roberson; former Commerce players George “Spanky” Blake and Rodney Mayfield, Technical High School players and Bill Blatch, a Tapley coach. The event drew a crowd of almost 100 coaches, players, families, friends and fans. There were posters displaying newspaper articles of Tapley players who had gone on to play high level high school and some college basketball.
The room was colorfully decorated with a beautiful 8 x 8 foot banner picture of Tapley School and numerous Tapley t-shirts were sold and worn by many attendees! The night was full of good, old stories of basketball and fellowship among the Tapley Brotherhood, including supporting one another at weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, births of children as well as funerals.
Two Fellowship awards were given, one posthumously to Doug Harris, basketball referee and the other one to Cee Jackson, Basketball League for Brotherly Influence in Our Lives!
There was plenty of great food and spirited music that flowed freely. The night ended with a special announcement by the Tapley committee of the creation of a trophy and scholarship to be awarded to “Best High School Basketball Player” in the Springfield area each season for outstanding play, sportsmanship, as well as academic achievement. This award is to be named after a Springfield high school and street legend, “Famous” Amos Hill, Trade High School Class of ‘71. The committee noted that many highly talented inner city athletes have fallen victim to the ills of society such as poverty, broken homes, bullying, mental or physical abuse, mental health as well as substance abuse of many kinds. It is our intent to raise awareness and provide light on alternative solutions for those suffering from these issues.
If we don’t value and support our own, no one else will. Our local heroes like Amos Hill are no different from Earl Manigault, the New York legend and the (G.O.A.T.) that many professional athletes credit as a tremendous talent who should have been a professional athlete but for the same pitfalls. We can and will do better!
The group will be planning ongoing events to fundraise and gather support for this critical initiative.
Go to the “We Are Tapley” Facebook page to order a t-shirt and see how you can help ensure healthy futures for area athletes because we are much more than basketball! ■