Lend Lease Athletes: The Connection Between the Negro Leagues and Japanese Baseball

In celebration of the Hall of Fame’s new Yakyu/Baseball exhibit, Adam Berenbak will discuss two pioneers who created an intersection between the Negro Leagues, Japanese professional ball, Jewish baseball, and the major leagues. It is the story of Jimmie Newberry and John Britton, who made history as the first Negro Leaguers to suit up in post-war Nippon Professional Baseball.

On Saturday, September 20, at 1 pm, Adam Berenbak will discuss the central individuals in this story (including Abe Saperstein and Bill Veeck), explaining how the relationship between them created a unique moment in the history of Japan, the United States, and three different baseball leagues.

This episode allowed for greater acceptance of U.S ballplayers, while also establishing the diplomatic framework for the connection between Japanese and American baseball.