Reclaimed: The Forgotten League, Episode 3 - Call and Response
Release Date: October 9, 2023
Host: Vanessa Ivey Rose
Produced by ABC Audio
Introduction: A Symphony of Baseball and Jazz
In the third episode of Reclaimed: The Forgotten League, host Vanessa Ivey Rose delves deep into the vibrant and dynamic world of Negro League baseball, drawing compelling parallels between the improvisational nature of jazz and the spirited playstyle of black baseball players. The episode, titled "Call and Response," explores the rich history, the challenges faced by the players, and the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues.
The Essence of Negro League Baseball: A Jazz Ensemble
Vanessa Ivey Rose begins by likening the collaborative spirit of jazz music to the teamwork inherent in baseball. She states:
"Jazz is a genre of contradictions. It's flexible and structured, elevated and gritty... There's an inherent back and forth to it because jazz is best when at least two people are playing. It's call and response."
[00:28] Vanessa Ivey Rose
This analogy sets the stage for understanding how Negro League players thrived through cooperation and improvisation, much like jazz musicians during jam sessions. The dynamic interplay among players not only enhanced their performance but also built lasting careers and fan followings.
The Origins of the Negro National League
In a recap of the previous episode, Vanessa recounts the establishment of the Negro National League in 1920 by Rupe Foster, often referred to as the father of black baseball. This league marked the first organized black baseball league, igniting an economic engine for black team owners, managers, and players. Despite earning higher wages than the average American, black players still received only a fraction of what their white counterparts earned.
"Black athletes were seeing annual paychecks ranging from $1,200 to $4,800 a year. That's $18,000 to $73,000 in today's money. They were earning much higher than the average American. But black players' income was still only a fraction of what their white counterparts earned, regardless of talent."
[02:00] Vanessa Ivey Rose
Barnstorming and Its Impact
To supplement their incomes, Negro League players engaged in barnstorming—traveling exhibition games both within the United States and internationally. This practice showcased their high-tempo, hard-hitting style, transforming games into theatrical events. Historian and distinguished professor Donald Spivey provides insight into the entertainment aspect:
"It was a game of more daring, more base stealing, more fancy ball handling. Why would you throw somebody out with a straight throw when you can do it between your legs or behind your back? And fans love that."
[05:32] Donald Spivey
Barnstorming not only entertained fans but also served as a platform for black and white teams to compete, defying the segregated norms of the time. These matchups drew massive crowds eager to witness the thrilling confrontations.
Personal Stories: Ron Teasley and His Connections
Vanessa interviews Ron Teasley, a 96-year-old former Negro League outfielder, to provide a personal perspective. Ron shares memories of playing alongside legends like her grandfather, Turkey Stearns, and highlights the familial bonds formed within the league.
"I started practicing with them. I think I was 12, 13 years old, I started practicing with them... And then pretty soon they'll say, well, play catch with you and we'll let you bat, and all that sort of thing."
[09:14] Ron Teasley
Ron reminisces about barnstorming tours, particularly through the American South, and the camaraderie he shared with fellow players. These experiences were not just about baseball; they were about building a community and striving for recognition in a segregated society.
The Legend of Satchel Page
A significant portion of the episode honors Satchel Page, a star pitcher whose influence extended beyond the field. Donald Spivey describes Satchel's contributions and charisma:
"He called his pitches, you know, the Bad Dodger, the Oopsie do pitch, and the Strikeout Ball. You know, he had a whole litany of names of pitches. And I think those are the kinds of things that made Satchel Page such a household name, because he had that ability to communicate with the public."
[15:26] Donald Spivey
Satchel's innovative pitching and engaging personality drew large crowds, ensuring that games he played were sell-outs. His legacy was not only in his performance but also in how he elevated the visibility and profitability of Negro League baseball.
Racism on the Road: Harrowing Experiences
Despite their talents, Negro League players faced severe racism during barnstorming tours. Ron Teasley recounts incidents of violence and discrimination:
"We were playing a team called the Chicago Brown Bombers. One of the players on that team failed to say sir to an officer. And sure enough, they were beaten up pretty badly."
[11:54] Ron Teasley
Such encounters were a constant threat, affecting not only the players' safety but also their livelihoods. The fear of violent reprisals instilled a deep sense of caution, as players navigated hostile environments across the country.
Barnstorming Abroad: Finding Refuge in the West and Beyond
To escape the pervasive racism in the United States, many Negro League players, including Satchel Page, took their talents internationally. The Dominican Republic, under dictator Rafael Trujillo, became a temporary haven where players could perform without the immediate threat of racial violence.
"Playing for a dictator, however, was not."
[25:59] Vanessa Ivey Rose
Satchel Page's move to the Dominican Republic in 1937 exemplifies this trend. Trujillo's investment in black baseball was both a political strategy and an opportunity for players to enjoy better accommodations and greater respect. However, the underlying authoritarian regime meant that players were still subject to control and pressure, albeit in different forms.
"Trujillo put together a baseball team... Satchel Page was back then playing for the Crawfords. He abandons the Crawfords and takes Cool Papa Bell with him and a bunch of other players almost destroys the Negro Leagues."
[25:22] Donald Spivey
International barnstorming provided a respite from Jim Crow laws, allowing players to experience a semblance of equality and celebration. Nightly experiences in countries like Cuba and Mexico were markedly different, with some players even seeking to remain abroad for the dignity and freedom they found there.
The Decline and Integration
The golden era of the Negro Leagues began to wane as Major League Baseball (MLB) slowly integrated starting in 1947. Vanessa notes the profound impact of integration on Negro League players and the league's eventual dissolution.
"All of a sudden they come along and say, well, we're going to start taking your star players."
[30:30] Ron Teasley
Integration led to the absorption of many talented black players into MLB, diminishing the Negro Leagues' prominence. While this was a significant step toward racial equality in sports, it also marked the end of an era where black players had their own platforms to showcase their exceptional skills independently.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Forgotten League
Vanessa Ivey Rose wraps up the episode by reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues. Despite the challenges and eventual decline, the league's influence on baseball and its role in advancing civil rights remain indelible.
"But for black Negro league players, the stakes were bigger than a World Series win. This was a matter of their physical safety."
[17:55] Vanessa Ivey Rose
The episode underscores the resilience, talent, and camaraderie of Negro League players, celebrating their contributions to baseball and American history. Reclaimed: The Forgotten League not only preserves these stories but also honors the players who fought for recognition and equality in the face of systemic oppression.
Production Credits
- Written by: IRU Ekpenobe
- Produced by: Madeline Wood, Cameron Chertavian, IRU Akpanobi, Camille Peterson, Amira Williams
- Senior Producers: Susie Liu, Lakia Brown
- Music and Scoring: Evan Viola
- Executive Producer: Laura Mayer
- Special Thanks: Chris Donovan, Rick Klein, Eric Fayel, Anthony Fanek, Mara Bush, Joyce Stearns Thompson, Rosalind Stearns Brown
Reclaimed: The Forgotten League is an original production of ABC Audio, meticulously crafted to shed light on the pivotal yet often overlooked narratives of Negro League baseball. Through rich storytelling and personal anecdotes, this episode encapsulates the essence of a league that was much more than just a sporting competition—it was a beacon of resilience and a testament to the enduring spirit of its players.