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: Cap For a Champion

Jackie Robinson wore this cap during the 1955 World Series while contributing to Brooklyn's first title.

#Shortstops: Mays a hero on and off the field

Willie Mays' 600th home run was another entry on a long list of his accomplishments in and out of uniform.

#Shortstops: Base for a Record

One of the game's most renown speedsters, Lou Brock set a new stolen base standard on Sept. 10, 1974.

Murray’s 500th blast puts him in legendary company

Eddie Murray became the third player in history to record both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs on Sept. 6, 1996.

#Shortstops: Dreams Achieved

The 1948 East-West All-Star Game symbolized a transitional phase for the Negro Leagues amid baseball's broader re-integration.

#Shortstops: The 755th Home Run

Hank Aaron's 755th home run baseball had a memorable journey to Cooperstown.

Cubs’ Williams hits for the cycle

When Billy Williams hit for the cycle on July 17, 1966, he became the first Cubs player to achieve the feat in nine seasons.

#Shortstops: Cool Bat

After swinging this 38-ounce bat, Cool Papa Bell would impact games with his speed.

Remembering the Cannon Street All-Stars

In 1955, a Little League team from Charleston, S.C., struck a blow for equal opportunity without ever stepping onto the field.

Bats from Black baseball stars tell incredible stories in Cooperstown

A trio of game-used bats loaned by Al Jurgela share the Black baseball experiences of Martín Dihigo, Josh Gibson and Pete Hill.

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.

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.

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.

Winfield skips over minor leagues to debut for Padres

Just weeks after San Diego made him the fourth pick in the 1973 MLB Draft, Dave Winfield bypassed the minor leagues entirely to start his Hall of Fame career.