Stories: Baseball and Civil Rights

#Shortstops: Playing for the 'Right' Reasons

Josh Barfield donated his bat to the Hall of Fame following the Civil Rights Game on March 31, 2007.

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#Shortstops: Jones’ spikes celebrate Jackie’s legacy

On April 15, 2018, Orioles center fielder Adam Jones celebrated the 71st anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier with these specially designed spikes.

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JFK’s letter to Jackie Robinson

Four months before winning the election that would make him the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy sent a letter to Jackie Robinson.

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#Shortstops: Bob Adelman’s Social Lens Lands on Baseball

Bob Adelman is best remembered as one of the most notable photographers of the Civil Rights Movement, but in 1973 his lens shifted towards baseball.

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April 15, 1997: Jackie Robinson’s Number Retired

Robinson became the only player to have his number retired across Major League Baseball.

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1970 game honored legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

The East-West Major League Baseball Classic, featured more than a dozen future Hall of Famers.

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Master Entertainers

Negro Leagues legends like Satchel Paige used humor to add to the show on the field.

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Monte Irvin Remembers

While Monte Irvin excelled at the big league level, there’s always been the thought that fans during the 1950s didn’t get to see him at his best.

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He Never Complained

Hall of Famer Roy Campanella’s courage in the face of racism and crippling injury served as inspiration.

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#Shortstops: Art Pennington: An Equal among Greats

Art “Superman” Pennington was an equal among greats. But he preferred to play in Latin America, where he was judged by his talents instead of by the color of his skin.

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Black newspapers preserved Negro Leagues history

For decades, the history of the Negro Leagues was written in Black newspapers.

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Loveable Cub: Billy Williams parlayed a textbook swing and unwavering consistency into a plaque in Cooperstown

Billy Williams parlayed a textbook swing and unwavering consistency into a plaque in Cooperstown.

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Doby made history with Indians

On July 3, 1947, the Newark Eagles agreed to sell the contract of Larry Doby to the American League's Cleveland Indians.

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Doby's pioneering path earned Hall of Fame plaque

Larry Doby, the first African American player to appear in an AL game, was elected to the Hall of Fame on March 3, 1998.

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Doby blazed trails on, off field

On June 30, 1978, Larry Doby became the second Black manager in AL/HL history.

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#Shortstops: School yearbooks paint early picture of Jackie Robinson

Baseball researchers can now get a glimpse of Robinson in his high school and collegiate glory days through a recent donation to the Baseball Hall of Fame Library.

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When Robinson signed with Montreal, baseball and America changed forever

Jackie Robinson signed with the Dodgers' organization on Oct. 23, 1945.

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Rachel Robinson Named Buck O’Neil Award Winner

Rachel Robinson has been selected as the fourth recipient of the Buck O'Neil Award

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Frank Robinson blazed trail for managers

Frank Robinson became the first full-time Black manager in AL/NL history on April 8, 1975.

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Frank Robinson’s legacy includes history on the field and in the dugout

Frank Robinson left his mark as a record-setting player and as the first African-American manager in big league history.

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The Negro National League is Founded

On Feb. 13, 1920, the Negro National League was formed.

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#Shortstops: Rube Foster’s home team

Letters from Rube Foster highlight one of the many challenges faced by Negro League teams.

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Robinson debuts five days after signing with Dodgers

Jackie Robinson signed his first National League contract on April 10, 1947.

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Jackie’s own words

Tape of September 1972 interview with Robinson donated to Museum.

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Robinson’s Royal history

Before becoming baseball royalty, Jackie Robinson was a Kansas City Royal.

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Henry Aaron hits home run No. 715

On April 8, 1974, Aaron’s fourth-inning home run gave him number 715.

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Forgotten History

The Negro leagues and baseball’s lost literature.

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#GoingDeep: Carlos Paula, the man who integrated the Washington Senators

The Osvaldo Salas collection contains a rare image of Carlos Paula, a player whose story remains largely untold.

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Sol White helped change the face of baseball

Though he was not permitted to excel on the diamond at the highest levels due to the color of his skin, Sol White’s position in history is secure.

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The Talent and the Temper of Oliver Marcelle

Oliver Marcelle was an outstanding third baseman in the Negro Leagues. He was part of the legendary 1924 Leopardos de Santa Clara in the winter Cuban League, considered the greatest of all time. While immensely talented, Marcelle was had a violent temper.

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Jackie Robinson, circa 1946

This footage is perhaps the earliest known recording – in color, no less – of Jackie Robinson playing for Montreal.

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Mays-Newcombe barnstorming tour of 1955 set records, broke barriers

The Mays-Newcombe All-Stars could be the greatest team you've never heard of.

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Baseball History, American History and You

Often referred to as America's National Pastime, baseball has had a very active role in the shaping of this nation.

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#Shortstops: Dark Town Battery

Dark Town Battery, a mechanical bank, brings to light the intersection of American culture, politics and race relations during the 19th century.

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#Shortstops: Words on pictures tell fascinating Negro Leagues story

A note on the reverse side of a 1916 St. Louis Giants team photograph tells a fascinating Negro Leagues story.

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#Shortstops: Breakfast of Negro Leagues Champions

In 1996, three Negro Leagues legends appeared on a Wheaties Box in celebration of Black History Month.

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#CardCorner: 1969 Topps Donn Clendenon

Donn Clendenon appeared on not just one but two versions of cards in Topps 1969 series.

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#CardCorner: 1969 Topps Leon Wagner

Leon Wagner's 1969 Topps card features the outfielder in a Reds uniform, a team for which he never played.

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Bud Fowler’s life blazed a trail from Cooperstown

Bud Fowler blazed a trail for Black professional baseball players with a number of teams, including the Page Fence Giants.

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#Shortstops: Rachel’s legacy

Buck O'Neil Award winner Rachel Robinson advocated for Jackie Robinson's plaque to be changed to recognize his pioneering efforts to integrate Major League Baseball.

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Smith’s vision helped clear Jackie’s path to majors

Sportswriter and Spink Award winner Wendell Smith worked tirelessly to push for baseball's integration.

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Rube Foster’s writing predicted future of Black baseball

Rube Foster's vision made the Negro National League a reality in 1920.

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Bud Fowler’s life blazed a trail from Cooperstown

Bud Fowler blazed a trail for Black professional baseball players with a number of teams, including the Page Fence Giants.

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#Shortstops: Rachel’s legacy

Buck O'Neil Award winner Rachel Robinson advocated for Jackie Robinson's plaque to be changed to recognize his pioneering efforts to integrate Major League Baseball.

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Smith’s vision helped clear Jackie’s path to majors

Sportswriter and Spink Award winner Wendell Smith worked tirelessly to push for baseball's integration.

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Rube Foster’s writing predicted future of Black baseball

Rube Foster's vision made the Negro National League a reality in 1920.

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New PWCC cards in Shoebox Treasures highlight integration of baseball

PWCC Vault adds new cards to Museum's Shoebox Treasures exhibit.

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#Shortstops: History’s mysteries preserved in Big Bill Smith scrapbook

The scrapbook of William T. "Big Bill" Smith helps to tell the story of pre-Negro Leagues baseball in the early 20th century.

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Pre-Negro Leagues stars laid the foundation for integration

Before the birth of the Negro Leagues, pioneering Black players proved they belonged in pro baseball.

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Charley Pride was a star on the field and at the mic

Charley Pride's love of baseball and music brought him to Cooperstown.

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New PWCC cards in Shoebox Treasures highlight integration of baseball

PWCC Vault adds new cards to Museum's Shoebox Treasures exhibit.

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#Shortstops: History’s mysteries preserved in Big Bill Smith scrapbook

The scrapbook of William T. "Big Bill" Smith helps to tell the story of pre-Negro Leagues baseball in the early 20th century.

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Pre-Negro Leagues stars laid the foundation for integration

Before the birth of the Negro Leagues, pioneering Black players proved they belonged in pro baseball.

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Charley Pride was a star on the field and at the mic

Charley Pride's love of baseball and music brought him to Cooperstown.

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The Taylors, including Hall of Famer Ben Taylor, helped define a generation of baseball in the Negro Leagues

Ben Taylor was one of the most respected first basemen of his time.

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National tragedy brought baseball to a halt for two days in 1968

Out of respect for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., players on the Pittsburgh Pirates refused to play on the day of his funeral, and ultimately MLB delayed the season two days.

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Brown’s lone big league homer made history

Willard Brown made history on Aug. 13, 1947 when he became the first Black ballplayer to homer in the major leagues.

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A Road to Equality

African-American barnstormers, led by Hall of Famer Satchel Paige, left a remarkable legacy

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The Taylors, including Hall of Famer Ben Taylor, helped define a generation of baseball in the Negro Leagues

Ben Taylor was one of the most respected first basemen of his time.

Read more

National tragedy brought baseball to a halt for two days in 1968

Out of respect for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., players on the Pittsburgh Pirates refused to play on the day of his funeral, and ultimately MLB delayed the season two days.

Read more

Brown’s lone big league homer made history

Willard Brown made history on Aug. 13, 1947 when he became the first Black ballplayer to homer in the major leagues.

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A Road to Equality

African-American barnstormers, led by Hall of Famer Satchel Paige, left a remarkable legacy

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Fighting for Equality on the Baseball Grounds

Octavius Catto and the Pythians made inroads as the first prominent and successful African-American baseball club in Philadelphia.

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Remembering Jackie

The baseball world pauses each April 15 to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on the anniversary of his historic National League debut.

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2008 Buck O’Neil Award Winner Buck O’Neil

In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum honored the legacy of the late John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil with the creation of its namesake Lifetime Achievement Award.

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#CardCorner: 1972 Topps Mudcat Grant

A 2004 visit from Mudcat Grant brought a 1972 baseball card to life.

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Fighting for Equality on the Baseball Grounds

Octavius Catto and the Pythians made inroads as the first prominent and successful African-American baseball club in Philadelphia.

Read more

Remembering Jackie

The baseball world pauses each April 15 to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on the anniversary of his historic National League debut.

Read more

2008 Buck O’Neil Award Winner Buck O’Neil

In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum honored the legacy of the late John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil with the creation of its namesake Lifetime Achievement Award.

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#CardCorner: 1972 Topps Mudcat Grant

A 2004 visit from Mudcat Grant brought a 1972 baseball card to life.

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#CardCorner: 1969 Topps Tommy Harper

Tommy Harper's perseverance has led to success on and off the field.

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Paige debuts with Indians at 42

On July 9, 1948, Satchel Paige pitched in his first American League game at the age of 42.

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The complete story of Jackie

Filmmaker Sarah Burns' new documentary seeks to tell a more complete story of Jackie Robinson's life.

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#Shortstops: A Most Lonesome Game

Museum documents ‘zero attendance’ game in Baltimore.

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#CardCorner: 1969 Topps Tommy Harper

Tommy Harper's perseverance has led to success on and off the field.

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Paige debuts with Indians at 42

On July 9, 1948, Satchel Paige pitched in his first American League game at the age of 42.

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The complete story of Jackie

Filmmaker Sarah Burns' new documentary seeks to tell a more complete story of Jackie Robinson's life.

Read more

#Shortstops: A Most Lonesome Game

Museum documents ‘zero attendance’ game in Baltimore.

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#CardCorner: 1974 Topps Willie Stargell

The case of the stolen card.

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#CardCorner: 1978 Topps Earl Williams

Earl Williams' 1978 Topps card was the last of his eight-year big league career.

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#CardCorner: 1967 Topps Lee Maye

The multi-talented Lee Maye balanced careers as a professional singer and baseball player throughout his life.

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#CardCorner: 1968 Topps Ed Charles

Ed Charles remains a symbol of perseverance on the field and off.

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#CardCorner: 1974 Topps Willie Stargell

The case of the stolen card.

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#CardCorner: 1978 Topps Earl Williams

Earl Williams' 1978 Topps card was the last of his eight-year big league career.

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#CardCorner: 1967 Topps Lee Maye

The multi-talented Lee Maye balanced careers as a professional singer and baseball player throughout his life.

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#CardCorner: 1968 Topps Ed Charles

Ed Charles remains a symbol of perseverance on the field and off.

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