This presentation takes a look at the involvement of African Americans and other people of color in American baseball. While there is evidence of inclusion during the early days of organized baseball (mid-19th Century); racial segregation became the norm near the turn of the century in what was referred to as a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ excluding Black players from the highest levels of the game.  The first formal league – the Negro National League – was formed in 1920 by Andrew ‘Rube’ Foster.  Re-integration of the national pastime occurred in 1947 when Jackie Robinson (Brooklyn Dodgers – NL) and Larry Doby (Cleveland Indians – AL) appeared in games.

The presentation will also chronicle the history of Black baseball in Cleveland, Ohio from the early 1920s through 1950.

Following the presentation view the film There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace.
Narrated by James Earl Jones, the film chronicles the history of the Negro Leagues using rare historical footage and interviews with some of the greats of the game and aptly describes the role and placement of African Americans in US sports during the era.

This program is free and open to the public thanks to the support of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.