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.

MLK, baseball supported each other in quest of civil rights

Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente crossed paths with Martin Luther King Jr. in their fights for civil rights and racial equality.

Leon Wagner fought battles on and off the field

Leon Wagner thrived as a productive, power-hitting major leaguer, but things took a turn for the worst in his post-playing days.

Exhibition complements exhibit as Hall celebrates Black baseball history

On Memorial Day Weekend, the Hall of Fame will celebrate the opening of The Souls of the Game exhibit a with tribute to the Negro Leagues' legendary East-West All-Star Games.

Hall of Fame will celebrate Black Baseball with East-West Classic Game during Memorial Day Weekend

Legends game to be played May 25 at Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field; Museum’s new “The Souls of the Game” exhibit to debut the same day.

Cool Papa Bell earns Hall call

Prolific speedster Cool Papa Bell's 1974 election to the Hall of Fame was a long time coming.

Museum to host SABR’s Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference June 6-9

Event promotes activities to enhance scholarly, educational and literary objectives surrounding Black baseball history.

Black Baseball Initiative engages students with crucial history lessons

On field trips from around Upstate New York, inner-city students have explored baseball history and been inspired by the triumphs of Black legends.

They also played: Black women in baseball

The history of Black women in baseball dates to the earliest days of the National Pastime.

Lucas broke barriers in Braves’ front office

Bill Lucas rose in the Braves' system from marginalized minor leaguer to baseball's first Black general manager. But his tragic death ended a promising career far too early.

O’Neil’s work as a scout opened doors for many players

Buck O'Neil's scouting work brought countless Black stars to the big leagues, some of whom went on to enjoy Hall of Fame careers.

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.

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.

#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.