The Negro Baseball League James Robinson, MA,CSP AAFSA Historian

You mean that there were separate leagues for Negro Baseball? Yes, indeed. The history of the Negro Leagues stretches almost as long as baseball itself. Prior to 1920 – independent clubs sprang up everywhere There were a series of leagues, including the Negro National League, the Negro American League, and the Negro Eastern League – independent “barnstormer” clubs carried on the tradition, some using the earlier club names for recognition

Why were there Negro Leagues? The “Color Barrier” – Jim Crow laws were in full effect across the South, and both the National League and the American Association (later American League) made a “gentlemen’s agreement” in 1889 to ban all non-white players from baseball. This included blacks, Asians, and increasingly-prolific players from the Caribbean. Who was the first black to play professional baseball? No, not Jackie Robinson. Fleet Walker was the starting catcher for the Toledo Blue Stockings in The next year, the Toledo Blue Stockings were one of the founding members of the new American Association. Fleet Walker was injured in 1884 and never played professional ball again. He would be the last black ballplayer in the major leagues until Jackie Robinson in 1947.

There was still a lot of enthusiasm for baseball in the black community anyway. Black teams were common, either as counterparts for existing teams or servicing smaller communities ignored by the major leagues.

Most famous clubs – Kansas City Monarchs Oldest and most stable Negro League team. Founding member of the Negro National League. Active from The current Royals are a homage to the Monarchs. Won 15 league titles, including the Negro World Series twice.

Most famous clubs – Indianapolis Clowns Active Only member of the Clown League to join the Negro American League. Noted for daring choices and unorthodox style. One of the last Negro League teams. Played “barnstorming” games from Retained the Indianapolis logo, even though the team was based in Sarasota.

Hometown Heroes – the Jacksonville Red Caps Active in the Negro American League. Sponsored by Seaboard Air Line railroad. The Red Caps referred to the porter’s head gear. Played at J. P Small Park in Durkeeville.

The Color Barrier is broken – Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers Jackie Robinson becomes the first black player in the major leagues since Fleet Walker. He is reviled, cursed, and harassed by fans and other players, but he never responds, preferring to let his playing be his response. And play he did – his first season he hit.323 and led the league in sacrifice hits and stolen bases. Jackie Robinson becomes the first Rookie of the Year, gained Most Valuable Player in 1949, and is elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in His number, 42, was officially retired for all major league teams in 1999.

Amazingly, many Negro League players did not celebrate when Jackie Robinson entered the major leagues. They felt that Jackie Robinson was not a true representative of the best players that the Negro Leagues could provide! Players like:

Josh Gibson – Slugging Catcher Josh Gibson played most of his career for the Homestead Grays. Although Negro League statistics are not accepted as official, Josh Gibson hit.384 lifetime average, hit 962 home runs, and set the single- season home run record with 84. He is only one of two players to hit a ball completely out of center field in Yankee Stadium. The other was Mickey Mantle. One of 17 players from the Negro Leagues elected to the Hall of Fame in Died in 1947 of a heart attack at age 35. Some say it was from a broken heart, after being passed over in favor of Jackie Robinson.

Satchel Paige – Incomparable Pitcher Arguably the greatest pitcher in baseball, he pitched so accurately that he would have his infielders all sit down, then strike out the side. Became the oldest rookie ever, when he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1948 at age 42. He refused Rookie of the Year honors, since he had already been pitching 20 years. Credited with inventing pitches like the slow ball, knuckleball, and his thoroughly illegal “hesitation pitch”. Always cocky, enthusiastic, and great at interviews, he personified Negro League baseball. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1971

Cool Papa Bell – Black Lightning Probably the fastest player ever in baseball. He holds the record of 13.9 seconds to run the bases, but claimed he could do it in 12 flat on a dry field. Bell was so fast that bunts became doubles, and pitchers feared to walk him, since he could sometimes steal two bases at a time. Led the Negro Leagues in stolen bases. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974.

The End of the Negro Leagues After Jackie Robinson’s debut, the other major league teams raided the Negro Leagues for talent, and dozens of the best players got contracts. Black spectators followed their heroes to the major leagues, leaving the Negro Leagues to play for fewer and fewer fans. By 1960, most Negro League teams were bankrupt. The last six teams, including the mighty Kansas City Monarchs, folded in 1960.

“Barnstormers” A few Negro League teams continued playing independently after the league folded. They would go from town to town playing local teams, and providing entertainment, which was called “the show”. Frequently, they would continue using the Negro League names for immediate audience identification. Thus, the Indianapolis Clowns continued to play, even though they were based in Sarasota. Most important member of the team was a white manager, who quietly arranged bets among the spectators, and collected them after the game.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Founded in Kansas City in Also houses the Negro League Hall of Fame Many exhibits, including original jerseys, trophies, an all-time registry, and the Field of Legends (left), where statues of the most famous players forever man the diamond.

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