Stories of Black baseball

Stories that highlight the lives and experiences of Black ballplayers through key moments in history, artifacts and baseball cards.

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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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Mudcat Grant helped strengthen the game on, off the field

The first Black pitcher to post a 20-win season in American League history, Mudcat Grant was also the first Opening Day starter for the Expos. His career on and off the field was a historic one.

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#CardCorner: 1984 Topps Ron Cey

Ron Cey's power and plate discipline helped him earn a reputation as one of the best third basemen of his era.

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Yastrzemski's 3,000th hit was worth the wait

On Sept. 12, 1979, Carl Yastrzemski recorded his 3,000th hit, becoming just the 15th player to reach that milestone.

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In 1996, only rain could stop Griffey

On Sept. 6, 1996, rain cost Ken Griffey Jr. a home run, ultimately denying him a 50-homer season.

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#Shortstops: Rice fed Red Sox’s fans dreams

A home run bat from the Red Sox legend in preserved in Cooperstown.

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Hall of Fame to host Banana Ball at the Hall on Friday, Sept. 15

Meet members of the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals at a special exhibit opening on eve of Bananas game at Doubleday Field.

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#CardCorner: 1984 Topps Bo Díaz

Bo Díaz overcame injury to become one of the most respected catchers of the 1980s.

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Trade to Houston a boost for Bagwell

On Aug. 30, 1990, the Astros acquired a minor league infielder named Jeff Bagwell in exchange for veteran reliever Larry Andersen. For Bagwell, it was the start of a journey to Cooperstown.

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#CardCorner: 1974 Topps Doyle Alexander

One of the stars of the first full free agent class following the 1976 season, Doyle Alexander won 194 games over 19 big league seasons.

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Charlie Grant’s brush with the big leagues

In 1901, Baltimore manager John McGraw attempted to field Charlie Grant, an African American, by labeling him Native American.

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MVP campaign leads Reds to extend Larkin

As the 1995 National League MVP, Barry Larkin had done plenty to earn a contract extension in Cincinnati.

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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.

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#CardCorner: 1983 Topps John Stuper

Trailing Milwaukee in the 1982 World Series and facing Don Sutton in Game 6, the Cardinals needed a miracle. Rookie John Stuper pitched a masterpiece to push the series to seven games.

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#Shortstops: Letters from Jackie

Dodgers scout Clyde Leroy Sukeforth played a critical role in Jackie Robinson's signing with the organization.

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Koufax pitches through pain for third Cy Young Award

A third Cy Young Award concluded Sandy Koufax's legendary 1966 season, but bigger news would come just weeks later.

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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.

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