Twenty-five years ago, big league pioneer Larry Doby received his Hall of Fame plaque
Larry Doby may not have been the first to reintegrate the major leagues, but his courage and accomplishments still left a lasting impact on baseball and society.
Stories of Black baseball
Stories that highlight the lives and experiences of Black ballplayers through key moments in history, artifacts and baseball cards.
Featured Story
Doby blazed trails on, off field
On June 30, 1978, Larry Doby became the second Black manager in AL/HL history.
#Shortstops: Letters from Jackie
Dodgers scout Clyde Leroy Sukeforth played a critical role in Jackie Robinson's signing with the organization.
With deliberate speed, the 1950s saw the reintegration of the white major leagues
Jackie Robinson integrated the Dodgers in 1947, but it was more than another decade before some clubs finally embraced Black players.
Banks transitioned seamlessly from Negro League to Cubs
Homering in his third career game, Ernie Banks flashed his potential before an offseason position battle.
Museum’s Black Baseball Initiative Bringing School, Youth Groups to Cooperstown
Support from NBT Bank over next two years will provide youngsters the opportunity to learn how baseball and American culture intersect.
The Souls of the Game Exhibit Will Celebrate Black Baseball and How It Shaped America
New exploration of the Black Baseball Experience to debut at Museum in spring of 2024.
Page Fence Giants succeeded on and off the field
For four years the Page Fence Giants were a successful and entertaining highlight of Black baseball.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY
As the nation celebrates Black History Month in February, the National Baseball Hall of Fame will pay tribute to the contributions of Black baseball pioneers, heroes and legends with programming in Cooperstown and online while hosting local and regional students.
Irvin earns immortality with Hall of Fame election
Monte Irvin was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on Negro Leagues on Feb. 7, 1973.
Stargell powers his way to Cooperstown
On Jan. 12, 1988, Willie Stargell was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year on the BBWAA ballot.
#GoingDeep: Emmett Ashford blazed trails for umpires
Emmett Ashford, the first Black umpire in the AL or NL, was an umpire in the American League from 1966-1970, working one All Star Game and one World Series.
Paige’s induction in 1971 changed history
On Aug. 9, 1971, Satchel Paige was inducted into the Hall of Fame, becoming the first player inducted based solely on time spent in the Negro Leagues.
Historic 2006 election honors Negro Leagues legends
On Feb. 27, 2006, the Special Committee on Negro Leagues elected 17 new Hall of Famers.
Raines heads to Florida for final big league season
Tim Raines played his final big league season with the Marlins, mentoring players who would go on to win the 2003 World Series.
Thomas' retirement wrapped up Hall of Fame career
Frank Thomas officially retired on Feb. 12, 2010, setting the stage for his election to the Hall of Fame.
In 1971, Satchel Paige came to Cooperstown
The Hall of Fame election and induction of Satchel Paige opened the doors to Cooperstown to dozens of Negro League legends.