Kansas City, MO (June 5, 2025)— Grayson Capital announces that Hall of Fame baseball legend Reggie Jackson has joined as a partner and cultural ambassador for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Hotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel, located near Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District.
In partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, this 132-key boutique hotel will stand adjacent to the future 30,000-square-foot expansion of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, anchoring a transformative new cultural destination: the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Campus.
The campus will feature the expanded museum, the official hotel, the Historic Paseo YMCA where the Negro National League was founded, and a new residential development inspired by Black baseball’s legacy
Together, these projects establish the NLBM Campus as the natural hub for the game’s next
chapter—celebrating the past while building the future of America's pastime.
Reggie Jackson, affectionately known as “Mr. October,” began his Hall of Fame career with the Kansas City Athletics, at the Municipal Stadium, in 1967. His connection to the Negro Leagues runs even deeper; his father, Martinez Jackson, played for the Newark Eagles, one of the most storied franchises of the era.
Reggie Jackson said: “Returning to Kansas City, where my MLB career began—and helping honor the Negro Leagues, where my father Martinez Jackson played for the Newark Eagles— is deeply personal,” said Jackson. “This hotel will celebrate the greatness of those who came before me and inspire the generations to come.”
As a founding legacy partner, Jackson will drive national awareness, foster generational ties with the game’s greats, and play a vital role in the project’s advancement. He is also committed to uplifting the museum’s mission and helping position the NLBM Campus for future impact.
Bob Kendrick, President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, added: Reggie’s involvement
is a significant addition to our project. His connection to the Negro Leagues is deep and
meaningful, and his voice will elevate our mission to educate and inspire through the game of baseball.”
Michael Collins, CEO of Grayson Capital, added, “Reggie’s story, his legacy, and his commitment to honoring the Negro Leagues align perfectly with the vision. His involvement will elevate the project’s national visibility and deepen its cultural roots.”
In support of the broader cultural momentum of the 18th & Vine District, a new 470-stall public parking garage will also be delivered to enhance access and infrastructure for the area; further reinforcing the continued investment taking shape within this iconic Kansas City neighborhood.
About the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), located in Kansas City, Missouri, is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its profound impact on the social advancement of America. Founded in 1990, the NLBM continues to educate and inspire generations through exhibitions, programs, and storytelling rooted in the legacy of the Negro Leagues.
About Mr. Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson, affectionately known as “Mr. October,” is a Hall of Fame outfielder and one of the most iconic figures in baseball history. A 14-time All-Star and five-time World Series Champion, Jackson hit 563 career home runs and was named World Series MVP twice. He began his Major League career with the Kansas City Athletics in 1967 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993. Jackson’s father, Martinez Jackson, played in the Negro Leagues for the Newark Eagles, a legacy that continues to fuel Reggie’s deep commitment to preserving Black baseball history and expanding its national recognition.
About Grayson Capital
Grayson Capital is a national development and advisory firm focused on delivering culturally relevant, community-driven projects in hospitality, healthcare, and housing. With deep expertise in public-private partnerships, Grayson Capital leads transformative developments that blend legacy, innovation, and inclusive growth.