The Negro Leagues: Celebrating Baseball's Unsung Heroes (Spectacular Sports)

When modern baseball fans think of African American players, they may think of Ken Griffey Jr. or Derek Jeter. But what about the black stars who didn't play Major League Baseball? In the early 1900s, black players were not allowed in the Major Leagues. The Negro Leagues provided an alternative for African American players. Discover the Negro Leagues in this book packed full of facts, photos, and stories. Learn about the biggest games and wildest moments of the Negro Leagues era, as well as some of the greatest (and least well-known) players. You'll also find out about the history of African American baseball and the people who worked to end the sport's decades of segregation. When modern baseball fans think of African American players, they may think of Ken Griffey Jr. or Derek Jeter. But what about the black stars who didn't play Major League Baseball? In the early 1900s, black players were not allowed in the Major Leagues. The Negro Leagues provided an alternative for African American players.Discover the Negro Leagues in this book packed full of facts, photos, and stories. Learn about the biggest games and wildest moments of the Negro Leagues era, as well as some of the greatest (and least well-known) players. You'll also find out about the history of African American baseball and the people who worked to end the sport's decades of segregation. Author Biography, Black-and-White Photographs, Free Online Content, Further Reading, Index, Sidebars, Table of Contents, Websites. After the Civil War (1861-1865), the earliest seeds of professional baseball began to sprout. While racism was rampant, some early teams featured black and white players competing side by side. But by 1900, segregation forced African Americans to form their own teams. Black players traveled around the country on barnstorming tours, taking on all challengers. In 1920, baseball's Negro leagues started, and for more than three decades, they offered fans a thrilling alternative to Major League Baseball. Explore the riveting history of the Negro leagues, including some of baseball's greatest (and most unheralded) players, biggest games, and wildest moments. When modern baseball fans think of African American players, they may think of Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, or Jason Heyward. But what about the black stars who didn't play Major League Baseball? In the early 1900s, professional baseball was mostly segregated - black players were not allowed in the Major Leagues. The Negro Leagues provided an alternative for African American players for decades before MLB began to integrate in 1947 In the early 1900s, professional baseball was mostly segregated. The Negro Leagues provided an alternative for African American players. Discover the history of African American baseball and the people who worked to end the sport's decades of segregation "Explore the ... history of the Negro leagues, including some of baseball's greatest (and most unheralded) players, biggest games, and wildest moments"--Amazon.com