He encountered racism as a Negro League ballplayer in the segregated South. But as far as Mack "The Knife" Pride is concerned, that's all in past.

"That's the way it was back then," he said. "I don't hate nobody. I don't have no ill feeling about what happened over 100 years ago, or 50 years ago. We are all still humans. We need to try and get along."

Pride, who pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs and Memphis Red Sox, came to Casper on Thursday for the opening of a traveling exhibit on African Americans in baseball. "Pride and Passion" highlights African American participation in the national pastime from the Civil War era through integration and modern times.

The exhibit, which his being housed at Natrona County Public Library, features some of baseball's most notable black players, including Satchel Paige, James "Cool Papa" Bell and Jackie Robinson, who broke the major league color barrier in 1947.

"We contributed a lot," said Pride, who is now retired and living in Colorado. "We played sometimes a lot better and we got by with less. But that's the way it was. I don't hold grudges."

Pride, 77, spent two seasons in the Negro American League, beginning in 1955. He grew up playing catcher, but switched to pitching because of the break on his throws. Baseball, he said, was his first love.

The Mississippi native described himself as a control pitcher with a wicked heater, who got his nickname by cutting off bats with his pitches. He claims he could still throw a 90 mph fastball as a 65-year-old.

"That's the way I was," he said. "Right handed. Nasty."

Playing in the Negro Leagues meant traveling to games in cramped busses and staying with families instead of at hotels, which wouldn't allow black players as guests. He made $150 a month -- the equivalent of about $1,200 today.

Pride said he had some rough experiences during his playing days, but he doesn't like to dwell on them.

"I'm a people person," he said. "Ain't but two colors I worry about: red and green. Red, I don't want to see my blood, and green, ain't missing out on no dead presidents.

"After that, I don't get hung up by color."

The exhibit, organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the American Library Association, is traveling to 25 libraries across the country. It runs through Jan. 15.

Reach reporter Joshua Wolfson at (307) 266-0582 or at josh.wolfson@trib.com. Visit tribtown.trib.com/JoshuaWolfson/blog to read his blog.

If you go:

"Pride and Passion: The African American Baseball Experience" will be at Natrona County Public Library in downtown Casper through Jan. 15. The traveling exhibit is available for viewing during regular library hours.

A dramatic re-enactment of Jackie Robinson's life will be performed by actor Gregory Gibson Kenney Nov. 18. The public will have a chance to meet two Negro League ballplayers on Dec. 10. Both events begin at 6:30 p.m.