Reclaimed: The Forgotten League – Episode 1: A Gentlemen's Agreement
Released on October 2, 2023, by ABC News
Introduction
In the inaugural episode of "Reclaimed: The Forgotten League," host Vanessa Ivey Rose delves deep into the rich yet overlooked history of the Negro Leagues and their profound impact on baseball and American society. This episode, titled "A Gentlemen's Agreement," intertwines personal narratives with historical analysis to shed light on the systemic racism that barred talented African American players from Major League Baseball (MLB) and the ensuing fight for recognition and equality.
Negro Leagues Weekend and Personal Connections
The episode opens at Comerica Park in Detroit, home of the Tigers, during Negro Leagues Weekend—a tribute to African American players excluded from MLB due to racial discrimination. Vanessa introduces the emotional significance of this event by sharing her personal connection to Turkey Stearns, one of the greatest Negro League players and her grandfather.
Vanessa Ivey Rose [00:35]: "Tonight's performance is special for me, maybe more than for anyone else in the audience. These singers are my mom and aunt. Turkey Stearns is my grandfather."
Vanessa describes the scene before the game begins, highlighting the tradition of honoring her grandfather with performances of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," widely regarded as the Black National Anthem. She emphasizes the bittersweet nature of these acknowledgments, noting that despite the stadium's recognition, many fans remain unaware of Turkey Stearns' legacy.
The Legacy of Turkey Stearns
Vanessa provides an intimate portrayal of her grandfather, Turkey Stearns, whose real name was Norman Thomas Stearns. Born in 1901 in Nashville, Tennessee, Turkey earned his nickname from his prowess in baseball and his unique playing style.
Joyce Stearns Thompson [09:02]: "He was born Norman Thomas Stearns on May 8, 1901, in Nashville, Tennessee."
Despite his remarkable statistics—a career batting average of .348 and a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 49.5—Turkey remains a forgotten legend in the annals of baseball history. Vanessa laments the obscurity surrounding his achievements, likening his recognition to that of Babe Ruth but noting the significant disparity in public awareness.
Vanessa Ivey Rose [07:58]: "His stats speak for themselves. He had a career batting average of .348, and his WAR was 49.5. For anyone that doesn't speak baseball, that's really good. Really good."
The Origins of Black Baseball
The narrative transitions to the broader history of African American participation in baseball, long before the establishment of the Negro Leagues. Shakia Taylor, a sports and culture editor at the Chicago Tribune, explains how baseball was integral to African American communities even in the 1800s, serving both as a recreational activity and a platform for civil rights advocacy.
Vanessa Ivey Rose [11:13]: "In the 1800s, baseball played a vital role in African American communities even before the Civil War."
One notable example is the Pythian Baseball Club, formed in Philadelphia in the mid-1860s by Jacob White and Octavius Catto, educators and civil rights activists who used baseball as a means to promote desegregation and voting rights for black men. The Pythians' challenge to white teams paved the way for early interracial games, such as the 1869 match between the Pythians and the all-white Olympics team.
The Establishment of the Color Line
Leslie Heaphy, an associate professor of history at Kent State University and a member of the SABR (Society for American Baseball Research), provides critical insights into how the color line was formalized in baseball. The Cincinnati Red Stockings' rise as the first recognized professional team in 1869 marked a turning point, leading to the creation of exclusive white leagues that systematically excluded black players.
Leslie Heaphy [14:41]: "The Cincinnati Red Stockings... really changed the nature of the game moving forward, because you're going to separate out this new professional, very organized white baseball from everything else that's going to get played."
A pivotal moment occurred in 1887 when Cap Anson, a prominent white player and manager, vehemently opposed the inclusion of black players. His threats to forfeit games unless black players were excluded led to the formal establishment of the color line, effectively segregating MLB and marginalizing talented African American athletes.
Leslie Heaphy [19:00]: "Anson made no bones that he didn't want to play against black players and have black players, certainly not on his team."
The Birth of the Negro National League
Fast forward to February 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri—a critical juncture in African American baseball history. Amidst the backdrop of segregation and limited opportunities, Rube Foster emerged as a visionary leader determined to create a sustainable and organized Negro League. Despite years of fragmented and financially struggling independent teams, Foster's efforts culminated in the founding of the Negro National League (NNL), the first successful and enduring Negro League.
Bob Kendrick [25:09]: "The Negro Leagues were born out of the ashes of American segregation, an era in this country when black and brown athletes were denied an opportunity to play major league baseball."
Foster's leadership was instrumental in uniting disparate black teams, providing them with a structured platform to showcase their talents and compete at higher levels. The NNL not only offered a competitive environment but also served as a cultural and economic lifeline for the African American community.
Rube Foster: The Architect of Negro Leagues
Rube Foster, often hailed as the "father of the Negro Leagues," was pivotal in shaping black baseball. Born in Texas, Foster's early experiences playing on both black and integrated teams honed his strategic and managerial skills. His move to Chicago in 1907 marked the beginning of his ascent from player to manager and eventually, team owner.
Bob Kendrick [29:28]: "Rube Foster had the juice. He had the know-how. He was absolutely brilliant. I make the case that Rube Foster was the most brilliant baseball mind this sport has ever seen."
Foster's establishment of the Chicago American Giants exemplified his innovative approach—strategizing styles of play, securing better contracts, and advocating for players' rights. His relentless advocacy through essays in the Chicago Defender emphasized the necessity of unity among black teams to ensure the league's success and sustainability.
Vanessa Ivey Rose [31:28]: "He urged the owners to put their issues with each other to the side, that this was, you know, for the greater good of the game, but also for their bank accounts, for their pockets. You make more money as a unit."
Turkey Stearns' Journey in the Negro Leagues
Vanessa narrates how Turkey Stearns became a star in the Negro Leagues, particularly with the Detroit Stars, a team founded in 1919 by Tenney Blount and Rube Foster. Turkey's exceptional rookie season in 1923, where he hit 18 home runs, solidified his status as a formidable player.
Leslie Heaphy [39:38]: "Turkey's first season with the Detroit Stars by all accounts was unbelievable. He just does."
Despite his prowess, Turkey remained humble and quiet, rarely boasting about his achievements. His legacy, however, was preserved through the oral histories passed down by his family, particularly by his children, who yearned to see him immortalized in baseball lore.
Rosalind Stearns Brown [41:18]: "He was quiet. He didn't brag."
The Overlooked Legacy of the Negro Leagues
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, underscores the historical neglect of Negro League contributions to both baseball and American history. The segregation and eventual integration of MLB often overshadowed the rich narratives of black athletes who paved the way for future generations.
Bob Kendrick [42:08]: "These stories were hidden. It was as though... the stories of the Negro Leaguers became an oral history passed from family member to family member."
Vanessa reflects on the significance of uncovering and acknowledging these stories, emphasizing the need for formal recognition to ensure that the sacrifices and talents of players like Turkey Stearns are not forgotten.
Major League Baseball's Recognition and Its Implications
The episode foreshadows a significant shift in MLB's acknowledgment of the Negro Leagues, hinting at recent developments (as of 2020) that may officially integrate Negro League statistics into MLB records. This potential inclusion promises to honor and legitimize the achievements of black players who were unjustly excluded from mainstream recognition.
Leslie Heaphy [37:04]: "He never intended it and thought that it was a permanent thing. He wanted to create this league to give opportunity to show what was possible and hope that it would only last until Major League Baseball was willing to take in, in his view, entire teams."
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Past for the Future
"A Gentlemen's Agreement" not only recounts the historical struggles and triumphs of the Negro Leagues but also intertwines them with personal family narratives, illustrating the enduring legacy of players like Turkey Stearns. Vanessa Ivey Rose emphasizes the importance of reclaiming these forgotten stories to provide a comprehensive understanding of baseball's history and its intersection with broader social issues.
Leslie Heaphy [43:37]: "The baseball record books are about to be forever changed."
As the episode concludes, it sets the stage for future installments of the series, promising to explore the ongoing quest for recognition and equality within the sport and beyond.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Vanessa Ivey Rose [00:35]: "Tonight's performance is special for me, maybe more than for anyone else in the audience. These singers are my mom and aunt. Turkey Stearns is my grandfather."
- Leslie Heaphy [14:41]: "Most people say that the first, you know, true professional team is the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings."
- Bob Kendrick [29:28]: "Rube Foster had the juice. He had the know-how. He was absolutely brilliant. I make the case that Rube Foster was the most brilliant baseball mind this sport has ever seen."
- Rosalind Stearns Brown [41:18]: "He was quiet. He didn't brag."
- Leslie Heaphy [37:04]: "He never intended it and thought that it was a permanent thing. He wanted to create this league to give opportunity to show what was possible and hope that it would only last until Major League Baseball was willing to take in, in his view, entire teams."
Final Thoughts
"A Gentlemen's Agreement" serves as both a tribute and a critical examination of the Negro Leagues' pivotal role in shaping American baseball. By weaving together personal family stories with meticulous historical research, Vanessa Ivey Rose not only honors her grandfather's legacy but also advocates for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of baseball history. This episode sets a compelling foundation for the rest of the series, promising to continue uncovering and reclaiming the stories that have long been relegated to the sidelines.