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.

Ripken celebrated at 2001 All-Star Game

Cal Ripken Jr. earned MVP honors in his final All-Star Game appearance on July 10, 2001.

Bull strong: Orlando Cepeda remembered as one of the top sluggers of the 1960s

Class of 1999 inductee Orlando Cepeda passed away Friday, June 28 at the age of 86.

#Shortstops: The Emperor’s Game

The presence of Japan's emperor and empress at a 1959 NPB game represented a significant moment in the sport's national history.

Gibson's powerful swing through Puerto Rico showcased in The Souls of the Game

The legendary catcher earned this award, currently on loan from the Josh Gibson Foundation, as the top player in the 1941-42 Puerto Rican Winter League.

#CardCorner: 1987 Topps Kevin Bass

After being traded for a future Hall of Fame, Kevin Bass became one of the best all-around outfielders in the game.

Niekro’s knuckler produces 3,000th strikeout

In his first season with the New York Yankees, Phil Niekro became the ninth player in major league history to record 3,000 strikeouts.

Watch the Stars at the Hall of Fame during the Museum’s All-Star Gala on July 16

Annual celebration features food and fun during live broadcast of All-Star Game from Arlington, Texas.

Mays’ Candlestick Park locker a priceless addition to Hall of Fame

Thanks to a generous donation from Steve Mariucci, the locker used by Willie Mays in San Francisco now finds a permanent home in Cooperstown.

Williams returns to baseball as Angels’ manager

Denied the chance to manage the New York Yankees in 1974, Dick Williams would become the California Angels' skipper on June 27.

#CardCorner: 1975 Topps Randy Jones

Randy Jones was a two-time 20-game winner who earned the 1976 National League Cy Young Award by identifying weaknesses in nearly every batter he faced.

Willie Mays redefined what was possible on diamond

Willie Mays, the “Say Hey Kid,” excelled in all phases of the game with a boyish enthusiasm and infectious exuberance.

Seventy-five years later, Robinson remains most valuable

Jackie Robinson won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in his third season in the league in 1949.

Willie Mays' Hall of Fame Plaque Makes Historic Journey to Rickwood Field

Class of 1979 legend celebrated as plaque travels from Cooperstown for first time.

Museum’s Author Series Programs Bring Latest Baseball Stories to Cooperstown

Lectures, book signings held throughout the summer at Hall of Fame’s Bullpen Theater.

Historic Bob Feller Bat on Exhibit at National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Used by Babe Ruth in Pulitzer Prize-winning photo from 1948.

Walter O’Malley Archive Added to Collection at National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Donation from Peter O’Malley and Terry O’Malley Seidler includes historic documents and photographs from Walter O’Malley’s notable tenure as Dodgers owner.