BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —

A former catcher for the Detroit Stars in the Negro Leagues is celebrating his 90th birthday by launching the Clinton "Tiny" Forge Baseball and Golf Youth Grant to inspire young athletes in Birmingham.

"It's going good, I'm still here," Forge said.

"We figured that would be a really good way to support the heart and hustle of athletes that are coming up through the pipeline," Forge's granddaughter Shayla said.

Shayla expressed pride in her grandfather's accomplishments and noted the widespread admiration he receives. "Also being able to see how the community and nation really loves on him. Me not being big on sports, I had that he was a trailblazer, he was always granddad Tiny to me," she said.

By starting the grant, Forge and his family aim to inspire Birmingham's

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